In a move towards enhancing the welfare of its officers, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) inaugurated a new health center at Mattru Police Station in the Bonthe Division on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. This development underscores the SLP’s dedication to the well-being of its personnel and aligns with Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu’s vision of fostering holistic support for the force.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Deputy Medical Superintendent, Dr. John M. Konteh, who unveiled the IGP’s broader initiatives aimed at improving health services within the Police force. Dr. Konteh highlighted a recent nationwide campaign that provided free hepatitis testing for Police officers, which began in Freetown and is soon set to expand to other regions.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mahmoud T.S. Konneh, who serves as the Admin Officer at Kingtom Police Hospital, elaborated on the significance of the new health center. He emphasized its crucial role in improving healthcare access for officers stationed in Bonthe and surrounding areas.
Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Augustine Kabia, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) for Bonthe, played a key role in organizing the event. Representing the Regional Police Commander South, Assistant Inspector General of Police Brima Kanneh, CSP Kabia expressed deep satisfaction with the establishment of the health center. He noted that the facility is a testament to the progress and dedication shown by the SLP leadership under his tenure.
The launch was attended by various stakeholders, including the District Medical Officer, Dr. Brima Bobson Sesay, and the Bonthe District Council Chairperson, Madam Isiatu Conteh. Both commended the SLP for its commitment to the health and welfare of its officers. Dr. Sesay praised the initiative as timely and pledged continued support, stressing the importance of sustainability, transparency, and accountability in managing the facility.
The medical laboratory lead at Kingtom Hospital, Lamin Moiwo, provided an overview of the advanced medical equipment supplied to the health center. These include a microscope, centrifuge machine, haemoglobin meter, pipettes, sharps boxes, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), gloves, and essential medicines.
Police Constable 17466 Abdulai Conteh, a Community Health Officer (CHO), has been appointed as the officer in charge of the facility. Plans are already underway to deploy additional medical staff to bolster the center’s operations, ensuring that comprehensive healthcare services are available to the Police force in the region.
