Official: 10 Die in S.Sudan's Hospital Due to Fuel Scarcity

An official says patients, including premature babies, have died in South Sudan's main hospital because it cannot afford fuel to run its generators.

A hospital official, who insisted anonymity for fear of reprisal from the government, said Friday that around 10 patients died since early December because they could not be operated on without electricity. He says the patients include premature babies who needed oxygen provided through electricity-powered cylinders.

The Director General of Juba Teaching Hospital, Dr. John Chol, told The Associated Press the facility has put most surgical operations on hold after the national currency devalued sharply, raising the cost of fuel last month to 4,400 South Sudanese Pounds ($220) from 1,200 South Sudanese pounds (worth $220 at the time) per 200-250 liter drum.