Shortages at El-Obeid Maternity Hospital Raise Concerns Over Rising Deaths

Staff at El-Obeid Maternity Hospital have reported critical shortages of supplies amid rising patient numbers and continuing maternal and infant deaths.

Hospital director Dr. Hassan Babiker said the facility lacks essential surgical and delivery equipment, including antibiotics, sutures, and gloves, forcing staff to purchase supplies at high market prices.

The hospital is under increased pressure from tens of thousands of displaced people, many of whom require urgent care.

Daily births rose to 25 in February, up from an average of 17, while power outages, overcrowding, and fuel costs have made surgeries difficult and, at times, impossible.

Babiker cited a case of premature triplets requiring intensive care, noting that lack of available beds led to the death of two infants.

He warned that the deteriorating conditions are contributing to higher maternal mortality, with delays and non-functional emergency operating rooms exacerbating the crisis.