Health Workers in Northern Bahr el Ghazal Demand Removal of Director General Over Alleged Misuse of Funds

Health workers in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Aweil, are demanding the immediate removal of the State Director General of Health, Dr. Malong Diing Aher, over alleged mismanagement of incentive funds.

The protesting health workers claim that a total of $17,500, reportedly allocated as incentives for medical staff across the state, was not fully disbursed. According to them, only $5,000 was distributed, leaving a significant balance unaccounted for.

Speaking to the Aweil News Agency, one of the protesters, Dr. Kuan Garang Arol, accused the Director General of misusing funds intended for frontline health personnel. “The money that was supposed to be given to us was $17,500 during the tenure of H.E. Simon Uber Mawut, but we only received $5,000,” he said.

“We believe the remaining amount was misused. We are calling on the Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to remove the Director General from office. If no action is taken regarding our incentives, our strike will continue," Arol added.

The protesting health workers stated that although they have resumed their duties full-time, they will continue pressing for the removal of the Director General until their demands are addressed and a transparent investigation into the alleged financial irregularities is conducted.

The situation has raised concerns about potential disruptions to healthcare services in the state, as facilities could face operational challenges if tensions escalate.

Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State had not issued an official response at the time of publication.

Efforts to reach the State Minister of Health, Hon. Riing Riing Lual, for comment on the allegations were unsuccessful.