The Militias Had Previously Turned Them Into Military Barracks: Launch of Hospital Rehabilitation in Omdurman
Sudan Events – Agencies
The war that broke out in Sudan disregarded the needs and well-being of the people, particularly in the healthcare sector. Rebel militias targeted civilian infrastructure, including essential services like hospitals and health centers in Khartoum State, especially in Omdurman. Approximately 90% of these facilities suffered extensive damage, rendering them completely inoperable.
Turning Hospitals into Barracks
Omdurman, located west of the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, was one of the areas most affected by the shelling and occupation by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). These forces transformed several key hospitals in Omdurman into military barracks, in addition to damaging the internal facilities, including medical equipment and buildings.
A recent report by the Sudanese Doctors Network revealed widespread destruction of the private healthcare sector in Khartoum, with initial estimates of damages amounting to $121 million. The report stated that around 90% of private health facilities—73 out of 80 hospitals—were subject to looting, deliberate destruction, or conversion into military bases. It attributed most of these deliberate and systematic attacks to the RSF, leading to a complete paralysis of the health sector in the state and posing severe risks to its future.
The report emphasized that the destruction of hospitals constitutes a blatant violation by the RSF, which systematically targeted and damaged healthcare facilities.
Massive Targeting
Dr. Abdelrahman Abdelrahim, Director of Health Facilities at the Khartoum State Ministry of Health, described the targeting of health facilities as extensive and unprecedented. He noted that the attacks were not limited to destruction but appeared to be part of a systematic effort to undermine state institutions, exacerbating the suffering of Sudanese citizens. He highlighted the destruction of maternity hospitals (Al-Dayat) and Omdurman Teaching Hospital, which suffered millions of dollars in damages to their buildings, surgical rooms, and medical equipment.
He urged international human rights organizations to acknowledge these damages and condemn the RSF, calling for their actions to be criminalized as a violation of Sudanese citizens’ right to life.
Launch of Rehabilitation Campaign
Dr. Abdelrahim announced the launch of rehabilitation efforts for 12 healthcare facilities in Omdurman and Khartoum North, focusing on emergency health needs. These efforts include transforming Mohammed Al-Amin Children’s Hospital into a specialized reference health institution.
He praised the role of national organizations, charitable institutions, and initiatives in supporting hospitals by providing rehabilitation and essential medications. He also commended the resilience of healthcare workers who continued their duties amid the war, showcasing their ability to confront challenges regardless of their severity.
Source: “Sudanese Echoes”
