Health centre closure in Pader sparks community concern

29 May 2025, 09:46

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Residents of Paiula subcounty in Pader district have been left stranded for nearly three months following the closure of Paiula Health Centre II due to a lack of qualified clinical staff, sparking fears over growing health risks in the community.

Acen Grace, a mother of three, is one of many affected. “My children are falling sick, but there’s no one to treat them,” she says, her voice heavy with concern.

With no public facility in operation, locals like Odora Richard are now forced to seek expensive treatment at private clinics. Odora shared in Luo, describing how families must now pay for services they previously accessed for free.

Paiula subcounty LC III Chairperson, Mr. George William Anywar, confirmed the health centre’s closure, noting that local leaders are engaging with district officials to fast-track the deployment of a new clinician.

Pader District Secretary for Health, Mr. Ocen Justine, also assured the public that progress is underway. “We have already identified a clinician and I’m following up personally to ensure he’s posted immediately,” Ocen stated.

In the meantime, a local advocacy group, Citizen Voice and Action, is calling for the urgent deployment of temporary medical workers to avoid further deterioration of public health in the area.

As the wait continues, the people of Paiula remain vulnerable — a reminder of the critical need to strengthen rural health systems and prioritise staffing at lower-level facilities.