By: Problyn J. Alpha
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has commissioned a community clinic in Tankoro, Koidu City, Kono District, as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen relations between the police and the communities they serve.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, the Medical Superintendent of the Sierra Leone Police, Dr. Mohamed Conteh, announced that a free eye-testing campaign would be launched at the newly constructed clinic before the end of 2026.
He also disclosed that a free surgical programme would be conducted at the Kingtom Police Divisional Clinic in Freetown from November 17 to 27, 2026.
Dr. Conteh said the Sierra Leone Police was working towards establishing a medical clinic in every police division, with plans to transform the facilities into ultra-modern hospitals equipped with qualified medical personnel.
He assured the public that the clinic’s medical staff were adequately trained and qualified to provide healthcare services, adding that a laboratory technician would soon join the team.
He emphasised the need for collaboration between the clinic’s staff and the Kono District Health Management Team to improve healthcare delivery. He also called on stakeholders to support the facility’s sustainability.
The Medical Superintendent urged the medical personnel to maintain professional standards and refer patients with complicated medical conditions to appropriate health facilities whenever necessary.
The opening ceremony, held at the Tankoro Police Division, attracted several stakeholders from across Koidu City.
Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief of Tankoro Chiefdom, PC Paul Gaba Saquee, the Chiefdom Speaker, Chief Sahr Borbor Gandor, thanked the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, for establishing the clinic.
Chief Gandor said police stations should serve not only as centres for maintaining law and order, investigating crimes and prosecuting offenders, but also as places where community members could access medical services when they fell ill.
He reaffirmed the chiefdom’s commitment to supporting development initiatives and ensuring the sustainability of the clinic.
Meanwhile, the former Local Unit Commander of the Tankoro Police Divisional Headquarters, Augustine Kamara, explained that the project followed a visit by the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, approximately three years ago, during the commissioning of the Motema Division Community Health Centre.
Kamara said he was tasked with spearheading the project and that work commenced shortly afterwards, leading to the successful completion of the facility. He commended all stakeholders who contributed to making the project a reality.
The current Local Unit Commander of the Tankoro Police Divisional Headquarters, Dr. Sahr Nyuma, said the clinic would serve not only police officers but also community members, complainants, suspects and accused persons.
Dr. Nyuma reaffirmed the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to improving service delivery and strengthening relations between the police and civilians.
He emphasised that police officers and members of the public were one people, adding that the facility would help foster a cordial relationship between the police and the communities they serve.