The Bahri Teaching Hospital in northern Khartoum, Sudan, was stormed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, shortly after fighting broke out between the RSF and the Sudanese army.

Bahri remained a war zone until an army counteroffensive recaptured the area from the RSF in March of last year.

The hospital, now renovated, recently welcomed its first patients. According to its director Galal Mostafa, there is a huge difference in the hospital's condition before and after the war.

"All parts were damaged and all equipment stolen, but thank God, the surgical, obstetrics, gynaecology, and emergency departments have been restored," Mostafa said.

The reconstruction and purchase of new equipment were funded by the Sudanese American Physicians Association and Islamic Relief USA at a cost of over $2 million.

With the hospital now fully operational, doctors, nurses and administrators face new concerns regarding salary payments and operating expenses.

"Before the war, we knew the amount of money being injected or spent. But now, after many years of war, the financial crisis has worsened, salaries and incentives have been affected, and now the budget does not cover the expenses," said Salag El Haj, the CEO of Bahri Hospital.

Prior to the conflict, the hospital's emergency department treated around 800 patients a day.

While current patient numbers are far lower, the hospital's reopening has become a symbol of hope, helping shift Khartoum's outlook from despair toward resilience and renewed expectation.

Edited by CGTN Africa's Dinah Matengo