By: Mohamed Sahr
To improve the lives of patients in need of specialized medical treatment, the Ministry of Health, with support from partners, presented newly trained graduates specialized in Neurosurgery, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology to enhance quality healthcare service across the country. The presentation was made at the Ministry’s headquarters on Thursday, November 21st, 2024.
Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, said the training of the locally specialized surgeons marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s history. He added that these locally trained surgeons will complement the existing medical experts in providing quality healthcare service. He assured that the ministry, through its partners, will continue to provide critical infrastructure, the right skillsets, and the supply chain for healthcare delivery.
Minister Demby affirmed that, with President Bio’s commitment to enhance universal health coverage, the ministry remains focused on double-downing primary healthcare and strengthening both secondary and tertiary healthcare systems. “Your graduating today is not by accident; it is a deliberate effort to ensure that we have the rightful access,” he said.
Dr. Demby urged the graduates to remain part of the government’s vision to provide quality care to Sierra Leoneans. He revealed that many of the population have access to quality service. Dr. Demby said the Ministry of Health received 50 million dollars to open a three-hundred-bed hospital in Kerry Town. Stating that the Korean Government has agreed to construct a state-of-the-art hospital with an E-platform between Bo and Kenema.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinical, said the eight graduates passed their exam with 80%, and Sierra Leone topped the exam with a 100% passing mark. He stated that the training enticed different specialized areas in Neurosurgery, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology.
Professor Adetunji Adeniji, Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Genecology at the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Complex, was impressed by the graduates’ brilliant performance. He urged the Ministry of Health to channel the way forward despite the challenges.
Leeann Mohata Rizk, Country Director of Mama Pekin Foundation, appreciated the new doctors in the West Africa College of Surgeons for their outstanding performance. She added that the Mama Pekin Foundation seeks to ensure and improve women’s and children’s health across the country.
Madam Rizk underscored that the foundation remains committed to improving the quality of trained personnel in Sierra Leone.
She reaffirmed that they will continue supporting all efforts and ensuring that the postgraduate training and fellowship are running.