The International Committee of the Red Cross or ICRC expresses deep concern over the deaths in South Sudan of more than a dozen patients following clashes on Sunday that forced doctors and nurses to vacate a hospital where advanced surgeries had been taking place.
In a statement the agency says ICRC surgical team supporting Upper Nile State hospital was caught in crossfire of heavy fighting at Kodok.
ICRC Head of Delegation to South Sudan Franz Rauchenstein says at least two people including one patient were killed, 11 others wounded and an additional 11 patients died in the absence of surgical expertise.
The Head of Delegation adds that 40 people mainly wounded in the fighting have arrived at the hospital in need of medical care but that both international and national health care providers in Kodok have temporarily suspended services until the situation improves.
ICRC continues to remind President Kiir and SPLM/A in Opposition leader Dr Riek Machar to take precautions in the conduct of military operations to avoid loss of civilian lives, injury and damage to their structures.
The agency demands the warring parties to respect and protect medical personnel and facilities.