By: Problyn J. Alpha
In a significant boost to Sierra Leone’s free healthcare initiative, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has launched a mobile health clinic, also known as the “Hospital on Wheels,” in Bonthe District. This innovative healthcare intervention aims to provide medical services to remote communities, ensuring that thousands of underserved individuals receive essential treatment without the burden of long-distance travel.
The launch, spearheaded by Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation II, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, saw a team of medical professionals delivering healthcare services to over 1,000 residents of Bonthe District. The mobile clinic, a state-of-the-art medical bus, comes equipped with facilities to conduct screenings, administer treatments, and dispense medication, offering an accessible alternative to traditional hospitals.
Dr. Mustapha underscored the initiative’s primary goal: bridging the healthcare gap in hard-to-reach areas where distance, transportation challenges, and financial constraints often prevent people from seeking timely medical attention. She emphasised that the mobile clinic is a direct response to President Julius Maada Bio’s vision of strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system by making medical services readily available, particularly in rural communities.
The medical team deployed with the clinic provided specialised care in key areas, including eye health and reproductive health. Services included cervical cancer screenings, family planning consultations, nutrition assessments, and treatments for hypertension, diabetes, and malaria. Of particular note was the focus on eye care, with 50 cataract and glaucoma patients receiving urgent treatment. Several individuals suffering from severe vision impairment were transferred to Mattru Jong Hospital for advanced eye surgeries to restore their sight.
Dr. Mustapha reassured the public that the mobile health clinic is a long-term initiative designed to serve communities across the country. She urged residents to take full advantage of the service whenever the clinic reaches their vicinity, emphasising that all medical consultations, treatments, and medications provided through this program are entirely free.
The launch of the Hospital on Wheels marks a pivotal step in the government’s efforts to decentralise healthcare, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing essential medical care. The initiative is expected to expand to other rural areas in the coming months, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare to every Sierra Leonean, regardless of location.
