Doctors outraged after minister’s bodyguard attacked health worker in Aweil

JUBA — The South Sudan Doctors’ Union (SSDU) has condemned recent attacks on health professionals by the bodyguard of the State official in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

Over the weekend, a health professional working for the Onchocerciasis Program in Northern Bahr el Ghazal was physically assaulted by the bodyguard of the State Minister of Health leaving him with physical injuries and severe pain.

A similar incident also occurred in the recent past when the Head of Health Science Institute was physically assaulted and briefly detailed in Aweil by officials.

“The SSDU condemns, in strongest terms, this barbaric act of violence and intimidation against a health professional who continues to serve our people despite poor working conditions and low motivations,” the group said in a press statement issued on Saturday.

The group denounced the use of violence as a means of addressing administrative issues in the state.

“The use of violence as a means to resolve administrative issues is unjustified as the State Ministry of Health is expected to protect their employees from any harm,” they said.

They stressed the need for security organs to immediately investigate the incident and bring perpetrators of the crimes to book.

“The SSDU calls on law enforcement organs in Northern Bahr el Ghazal  State to immediately investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to book,” they group urged.

The doctors also called on the Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Tong Akeen Ngor to follow the case in person and to ensure equal access to justice and legal assistance is provided to the victim.

“The SSDU urges authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State and other States to take precautionary measures to ensure similar acts of intimidation and violence against health professionals do not repeat itself in the future” they said.

“The doctors’ Union appeals to government of national unity to provide policy guidance to all States and Administrative Areas to address human rights concerns, and to implement policies that protect healthcare professionals from harm and discrimination and to ensure health professionals are accorded respect and safety,” they added.

The group advised health workers to avoid any situations that lead to violent confrontation.

“The SSDU equally calls on all health professionals across the country to maximize caution, avoid situations that lead to violent confrontation and seek amicable or legal means to address any injustice,” they said.