RUMBEK — The Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Akol Paul Kordit, on Monday paid $21,000 to 210 health workers at Salva Kiir Mayardit Hospital in Lakes State.
Akol made the payment on Monday during a visit to the hospital in Rumbek while on an SPLM retreat mission.
Speaking during visit to the hospital on Monday, Akol said the $21,000 would be distributed among the 210 health workers, with each receiving $100, in recognition of their continued service despite working without pay.
“Now to these 210 workers in this Salva Kiir Mayardit Hospital, who work hard to save lives without pay, I am making this $21,000 for them so that each receives $100 each,” Akol said.
The SPLM Secretary General said he did not want to make permanent promises but would continue supporting the health workers whenever he was able to raise funds.
“I don’t also want to make a permanent pledge or promise, but whenever I get $1,000, I can bring it to these health medics in this hospital,” he said.
Akol also urged South Sudanese and international partners to support women working in the health sector, particularly midwives.
“To every South Sudanese and the foreign [nationals] who know the roles that women play in our lives, they are important people to consider, and this goes directly to the midwives such as these ones in this hospital. They need to be supported in one way or the other,” he said.
However, Akol did not specify the source of the funds used for the payment.
The payment also raises questions over whether similar support will be extended to health workers and other public servants in other parts of the country facing salary delays and shortages of essential services.
The donation comes as health workers at the facility continue to provide medical services despite salary-related challenges.
Akol is in Rumbek as part of an SPLM retreat mission and is expected to engage local leaders on issues surrounding preparations for the planned December 2026 general elections.
