Al-Fashir – March 20, 2025 – North Darfur Health Directorate (“Suma”)

Dr. Ezzeldin Ahmed Asso, General Director of Al-Fashir South Hospital, has reaffirmed the hospital’s ongoing operation and its commitment to delivering medical and health services. This comes despite the enormous challenges caused by the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the worsening conditions in Al-Fashir.

According to Dr. Asso, the hospital has received more than 12,617 injury cases since the war began. Most of these injuries were caused by gunshot wounds and artillery shelling carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He noted that the majority of those injured were children, women, elderly people, and others from vulnerable groups.

The hospital has carried out over 4,000 general surgeries and more than 3,000 orthopedic procedures. During the same period, it has also received more than 1,000 deceased individuals.

Despite multiple attacks, including assaults on medical staff, the looting of an ambulance, and the theft of salaries, the hospital has continued to operate. Services have been relocated to alternative facilities after its infrastructure was heavily damaged.

Dr. Asso expressed his appreciation to the Governor of North Darfur and his government, especially the Health Support Committee, for their continued support. He also acknowledged the ongoing collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, which has provided essential backing to meet the state’s health needs.

He extended special thanks to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), describing it as “the hospital’s sole and principal partner and supporter” since July 2024. According to Dr. Asso, the ICRC has helped by incentivizing medical staff, supplying food for patients and workers, assisting with burial efforts, and providing medical and surgical materials. It has also covered fuel costs and key operational expenses.

He also commended the hospital’s medical teams and support staff for their dedication and resilience.

Dr. Abdelrahman Mohamed Ahmed, the hospital’s Medical Director, added that the facility faces major operational difficulties. These include the lack of 24-hour electricity, poor lighting in operating rooms, and shortages of critical medical equipment. Still, he confirmed the administration’s ongoing commitment to maintaining services and offering the best possible care to patients, despite the circumstances.