Kudjip Hospital resumes full operations

Kudjip Nazarene General Hospital has fully resumed all healthcare services following the release of K7 million in funding from the National Government.

The hospital had scaled down operations for nearly three weeks due to severe funding constraints and delays in the disbursement of operational grants.

Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority (PHA) CEO, Theddeus Turi, told NBC News that the funding shortage had significantly affected service delivery at the level 5 provincial hospital, which provides pediatrics, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, anesthetics, emergency care, and primary health services.

Mr. Turi said the hospital requires more than K20 million annually to operate effectively, yet since 2023 it has received only K11 million in budget allocations, far below its operational needs.

This is despite submitting a budget request of K35 million for 2025.

Kudjip Nazarene Hospital Director of Corporate Services, Dr. Joseph Bossip, confirmed that the hospital did not receive the full K11 million allocation but received partial funding through the Jiwaka PHA, which kept essential services running.

According to the Jiwaka PHA CEO, 74% of its annual funding allocation has so far been received.

Mr. Turi stressed managing 29 healthcare facilities, including Kujip Hospital, under such tight funding conditions has been extremely challenging.

He also dismissed widespread social media claims that the hospital had completely shut down, clarifying that it had continued operating but had restricted services to Jiwaka residents during the funding crisis.

Meanwhile, the Jiwaka PHA and Kudjip Hospital management have thanked the National Government, relevant departments, and Health Minister Elias Kapavore for responding promptly to the hospital’s financial situation.

Mr. Turi reaffirmed the Jiwaka PHA’s commitment to supporting Kudjip Nazarene General Hospital to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery for the people of Jiwaka Province.