By: Mohamed Sahr
In an effort of providing affordable primary health service in Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health with support from Doctors with Africa (CUAMM) unveiled the newly refurbished outpatient ultra-modern facility at the Connaught Hospital, Freetown on Wednesday 2rd August, 2023.
Making his keynote remark, Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health thanked Doctors with Africa (CUAMM) for their unwavering supports in footing the success of the newly rehabilitated facility as well working together in transforming the primary healthcare system to an excellent facelift. He mentioned that Connaught Hospital prides itself of having top-tier surgeons and medical experts across the West Africa nations.
Minister Demby urged the doctors and nurses to maintain and always keep the unit clean and safe. He continued that with team work and dedication, Sierra Leone would progress in both the internal and external targets. “Our goal is to reduce maternal mortality rate to less than three hundred by 2025 and by 2030 we want to reduce it to less seventy or hundred thousand,” Doctor Demby said.
He affirmed that the newly refurbished state-of-the-art unit has loads of oxygen plants, heart monitory devices and other technological equipment which would enhance the survival of patients and ease the work of the medical personnel.
Micheal Soci, Country Manager of Doctors with Africa (CUAMM) said the rehabilitation of the facility serves as a response to a direct request of intervention from the leadership of the Ministry of Health for support towards the strengthening of Emergency Care with the establishment of an Emergency Room.
“In supporting this outcome, CUAMM has started an analysis aiming to identify a suitable way to improve the functioning of the Emergency Unit accordingly,” CUAMM Country Manager said.
He furthered that CUAMM is hopeful of constructing PCMH for Sierra Leone that which would start in September this year; emphasizing that they are ready to improve the strengthening of the accidents and emergency services in Sierra Leone.
Dr Sattie Kenneh, Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health said Sierra Leone has placed a lot of focus on primary health services and this a continuous work in the right direction. He added that for the most part, special attention has been zoomed on secondary and tertiary health services.
“We want to give the best for Sierra Leone and there are a lot of plans to have modern institutions,” Chief Medical Officer said.
He admonished the doctors and nurses to have special care for the existing one as a way of landing to the next adventure. Dr Kenneh appreciated CUAMM for their relentless supports in actualizing a new dawn.
Dr Mark Kapuwa, Managing Lead of the Connaught Hospital said the facility serves as a testament to the shared commitments to improving healthcare and infrastructure as well ensuring accessible and quality medical services for Sierra Leoneans. He mentioned that the new rehabilitated facility is equipped with cutting edge technology like monitors, high flow oxygen supply equipment, art and science equipment, beds, office furniture, personal computers among others which are designed to reach the evolving needs of the patients and medical professionals.
He said the refurbished facility represents a clear path towards a healthy and brighter future for the people of Sierra Leone. “With this state-of- the-art unit we can confidently say that we are better equipped to face any health challenge that may grip the country, “Doctor Kapuwa affirmed.
