OMDURMAN: One of Sudan’s largest maternity hospitals has resumed operations after being forced to close during the country’s civil war, marking a significant step in efforts to restore healthcare services amid ongoing humanitarian challenges.
The Omdurman Maternity Hospital, locally known as Al-Dayat (Midwives), has reopened its maternity wards, allowing women to once again access institutional childbirth services after months of disruption caused by fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
How Has the Hospital’s Reopening Improved Maternal Care?
Health officials said the reopening has contributed to a gradual decline in maternal and infant complications, which had risen sharply during the conflict as many women were forced to give birth at home or travel long distances to find medical care.
According to the Khartoum State Ministry of Health, authorities have restored services at 15 maternity wards across the capital, including Omdurman Maternity Hospital and the Saudi Hospital. Hospitals in Khartoum are now recording approximately 7,000 births per month.
Hospital Director Emad Abdullah said patient numbers have increased rapidly since services resumed, rising from just one or two deliveries per day after reopening to nearly 60 births daily.
What Challenges Do Mothers Still Face?
Despite the reopening, women continue to face major obstacles, including soaring transportation costs, medicine shortages and limited access to healthcare facilities.
Many patients from states such as Al Jazirah and Kordofan are forced to undertake long and costly journeys to reach functioning hospitals. Shortages of essential medicines have also compelled many families to purchase drugs from private pharmacies at significantly higher prices.
What Condition Is Sudan’s Health Sector In?
The conflict severely damaged Sudan’s healthcare system, forcing the closure of specialized maternity hospitals and contributing to higher maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
Medical facilities continue to struggle with shortages of doctors, nurses, medicines and medical equipment, while hospitals face recurring electricity and water supply problems.
However, health officials say the reopening of maternity services represents an important milestone in rebuilding Sudan’s war-damaged health sector and improving access to life-saving care for mothers and newborns.