8 June 2011 – The Preventive Health Unit in the Upper Nile State Ministry of Health began inspecting clinics and pharmacies today to root out those that are unlicensed, ill equipped and/or staffed by unqualified personnel.

"We will not allow any one to open a private clinic and pharmacy without a license approved by the Ministry of Health because it is a matter of life and death," said the Director of the Preventive Health Dr. Albino Amum Awin.

An influx of returnees from the north and neighbouring countries as well as internally displaced persons due to rising insecurity has resulted in a gradual increase of the population, leading to the establishment of unlicensed clinics and pharmacies.

"Some clinics do not meet medical standards as they are built with grasses and local materials," Dr. Awin said. "Some pharmacies are being run by unqualified staff, Sometime they give wrong medicines to the patients which is not prescribed by the doctor."

Additionally, some of pharmacies and clinics did not have proper medical equipment, the director added.

The state-wide crackdown, began in Malakal County, where 24 clinics and 18 pharmacies were inspected. Four pharmacies and two clinics were closed down.

Inspection in other counties is set to begin in mid-June.