(JUBA) – Patients and doctors in Juba say the China Friendship Hospital is filling a crucial gap in South Sudan’s strained healthcare system, offering treatment, medical training and technology that are not always available in public facilities.
The hospital was set up in 2011 with Chinese support and has since become an option for those seeking more reliable care. Patients who spoke to local media said they appreciated the professionalism and equipment in the facility, even though its fees are higher than most government hospitals.
Nyandeng Malual, who underwent treatment at the hospital, said her experience allowed her to return to work and support her family. She said staff went beyond basic treatment by offering close monitoring and follow up care.
Other patients said the hospital was more than a treatment centre. They noted that it runs training programmes for South Sudanese nurses and doctors, which could help raise overall healthcare standards in the country.
One patient, Fardos William, said she was unsure what to expect when she first arrived but was impressed by the organised system and consistent attention. She said the fees were higher but that the speed of recovery made the cost worthwhile.
Another patient, Bol Atem Deng, said the facility’s reliability was its strongest advantage. He said medication was supplied on time and equipment was well maintained. He added that many people avoided the hospital due to the cost but said it remained a useful option for those who could afford it.
Local medical staff also backed the facility. Dr. Daniel Lupai from Juba Teaching Hospital said the specialised services offered by the Chinese hospital were widely recognised. He said the name itself was a sign of cooperation between the two countries and that its presence had improved access to podiatric and other specialised care.
Fees at the China Friendship Hospital were not officially disclosed, but patients commonly compare them to private clinics. A treatment costing 142,000 South Sudanese Pounds is equal to about 20 United States Dollars at the current rate of 7,100 SSP to one Dollar. Many patients said they would choose to pay more if it meant receiving more dependable treatment.
Patients and staff said the hospital showed how investment in infrastructure, equipment and training could improve medical outcomes. Some even said the facility could serve as a reference point as South Sudan looks for ways to upgrade its public hospitals without overburdening government budgets.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Juba, South Sudan |
| Facility Name | China Friendship Hospital |
| Established | 2011 (with support from China) |
| Main Role | Provides medical treatment, modern equipment and health worker training |
| Key Benefit to Patients | More reliable care and faster recovery compared to most public hospitals |
| Patient Feedback | Professional staff, advanced systems, consistent medication supply |
| Local Medical Opinion | Seen as a useful partner in skills transfer and specialised services |
| Broader Impact | Considered a model for public-private or international healthcare partnerships |
