At the China Friendship Hospital in South Sudan’s capital, patients and local doctors say the facility is providing critical medical services and training that are strengthening the young nation’s overstretched healthcare system.
The hospital, established with Chinese support in 2011, has become a key part of Juba’s medical landscape, offering a level of care that patients say is often hard to find. For Nyandeng Malual, a patient who underwent treatment there, the impact was profound.
“The Chinese doctors had not just treated my illness; they had given me back my life,” Malual told Radio Tamazuj. “My recovery has allowed me to return to my community as a productive member of society. I am able to work, care for my family.”
Malual and other patients said the hospital’s significance extends beyond individual care. They point to its training programs for South Sudanese health workers and the introduction of modern medical systems as investments in the country’s long-term health.
“They are not just treating illnesses; they are building capacity, sharing knowledge, and creating lasting positive change in our healthcare system,” Malual said.
Patients praised the facility’s advanced equipment and professional standards, even while acknowledging its higher costs compared to government-run options.
“When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Other hospitals in South Sudan often lack resources and expertise, but here, the care was different,” said patient Fardos William. “The doctors provided effective treatment, the nurses were caring, and I recovered quickly. Yes, the fees are higher… but the quality and attention make it worthwhile.”
Bol Atem Deng, 30, also highlighted the facility’s reliability. “The doctors are experienced, the nurses administer medication on time, and the overall service quality is far better,” Deng said. “While costs can be a barrier for some, the combination of skilled staff and modern equipment makes it a valuable option.”
The hospital’s role is also noted by local healthcare professionals, who see it as part of a broader partnership.
Dr. Daniel Lupai, a senior doctor at Juba Teaching Hospital, said the facility’s specialized services are highly valued and that its name carries a diplomatic message.
“South Sudanese families particularly cherish the podiatric and specialized wings of the hospital,” Lupai said. “The hospital’s name—Chinese Friendship Hospital—reflects a deeper mission: to show friendship. Providing healthcare services in this way strengthens the people-to-people relationship between our nations.”