Members of Eastern Equatoria State Legislative Assembly on Thursday debated whether to build a new state hospital in Torit or upgrade the existing facility.
A section of lawmakers demanded the construction of a modern hospital to handle the increasing population in the state while others objected the idea in a heated debate, Emmanuel Radio reported.
MP Peter Otim Karlo supported a long term plan to construct a modern hospital for the state.
MP Alphone Muras Chacha argued that the state needed a short term solution for health facility.
MP Nasike Allan Lochul seconded the idea of improving the current state hospital and human resources to meet the demands of the residents.
She reasoned that additional construction of health facilities in Katiko and Torit state referral Hospital would not translate to quality service provision.
MP Dominic Otwari suggested that the state government should rehabilitate Torit Hospital and lobby to attract donors to construct a modern facility.
He also said private investors could be invited to build a hospital in the state.
The debate started after the chairperson of Health, Social Development and Gender Specialized Committee Margaret Kasara Kiwa made a presentation of study of the two hospitals in Eastern Equatoria.