Covid-19 stresses health care in Sudan – those with chronic conditions at risk

Sudanese people in several states have complained about the deterioration of regular routine health services, especially for those suffering from chronic diseases, as the Covid-19 pandemic stretches the capacity of Sudan’s health care system.

Listeners have told Radio Dabanga that overloading the hospitals with Covid-19 cases has acutely impacted the health system. Relatives of patients suffering from chronic conditions describe the situation as “tantamount to neglect”.

Relatives of chronic patients say that the shut-down of some hospitals and health centres in Khartoum and other states has increased the mortality rate among people suffering from chronic conditions.

“Some hospitals have closed their doors, or doctors are unavailable because of the lack of personal protective equipment. Many people have died, moving from one hospital to another seeking help,” they said.

They said that because of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases and the high prices for medicines, no one is paying attention to this group.

Speaking to Radio Dabanga from El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, Mahmoud Ibrahim explained that the main reason for the disproportionate mortality rate in the city is that the acting governor closed hospitals and health centres. “The governor has since reversed his previous decision, but it was too late,” he said.

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