By: Mohamed Sahr
The Ministry of Health (MOH), in collaboration with the management of Connaught Hospital, has officially announced the temporary closure of the Connaught Hospital Mortuary for a period of six (6) weeks to allow for comprehensive renovations and structural upgrades.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday July 23, 2025, at the Connaught Hospital Conference Hall.
The renovation project is part of a broader initiative to modernize mortuary services and enhance the standard of post-mortem care in Sierra Leone. Connaught Hospital Mortuary, which has served as the country’s principal facility for decades, is currently operating with obsolete cold storage equipment that has reached the end of its useful life. Despite continuous maintenance efforts, repeated mechanical failures have made the current system unsustainable.
Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager at Connaught Hospital, revealed that the government has procured 10 brand-new mortuary refrigerators to be installed in key hospitals nationwide, including Connaught. However, he noted that the hospital’s electrical and structural systems some nearly 50 years old are incompatible with the new equipment, making renovations an urgent necessity.
“We have mobilized the needed resources, and work will begin immediately,” Dr. Kapuwa affirmed.
To ensure continuity of services during the renovation period, alternative arrangements have been made with 34 Military Hospital, Jui (Chinese) Hospital, and the Police Hospital. These facilities will temporarily handle the preservation and processing of civil and medico-legal corpses.
Dr. Kapuwa also assured the public that embalming services at Connaught Hospital will continue during the renovation, but only for in-hospital deaths, and with a maximum two-day holding period for families to collect remains.
Andrew Sorie, Senior Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the government’s commitment to upgrading health infrastructure across the country. He noted that this initiative aligns with broader national health sector reforms and will lead to improved hygiene standards, better infection control, and enhanced service delivery.
“We appreciate the public’s patience during this necessary intervention,” Sorie said.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinical Services, assured that all necessary measures are in place to minimize disruptions during the closure.
“This renovation underscores our commitment to the safe, dignified, and respectful handling of the deceased. The upgrade is vital for infection control and the overall efficiency of mortuary services,” he stated.
Dr. Kabba also appealed to the public to cooperate and remain patient as the government works to improve essential health infrastructure.
Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to significantly improve service delivery, offering a more sanitary, efficient, and respectful environment for grieving families and medical personnel alike.
The renovation of Connaught Mortuary is being viewed as a model project, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to aligning the country’s public health systems with international best practices and addressing the growing demands of urban healthcare delivery.
