By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
In a significant leap towards improving healthcare services, the Ministry of Health and the Diego Gonzales Rivas Foundation have officially launched a state-of-the-art Mobile Surgery Truck in Kono District, a major milestone for the country’s healthcare system.
The launch event was attended by high-ranking government officials, including Deputy Minister of Health Professor Charles Senesie and Minister of Local Government Honourable Tamba Lamina, demonstrating the government’s firm commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery nationwide.
The Mobile Surgery Truck, equipped with advanced medical facilities, aims to provide critical surgical services to communities, particularly those affected by lung diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis (TB). This mobile unit is expected to reach remote areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited, offering life-saving surgeries for people in need.
Professor Senesie emphasized the importance of embracing technological advancements to improve healthcare delivery, stressing the need to ensure that no one is left behind. He also announced plans to train 3,000 nurses this year, with additional training opportunities set for the next year. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce in Sierra Leone.
The President of the Rivas Foundation, Professor Diego Gonzales Rivas, shared that the Mobile Surgical Hospital will be permanently stationed in Sierra Leone. He revealed that six patients are already scheduled for surgery, with expert doctors from Libya, Morocco, and China set to perform operations from October 27th to November 1st, 2025. The partnership between the government and the Rivas Foundation reflects the growing collaboration between Sierra Leone and international medical experts to address critical health challenges.
Minister Tamba Lamina assured the people of Kono that the government, under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, is fully committed to their development. He pointed to several ongoing projects, including the Maternal Centre of Excellence and the deployment of 52 midwives, which are aimed at improving maternal and child health services. Lamina also urged local leaders to ensure that healthcare workers’ needs are met to foster a positive working environment.
The launch of the Mobile Surgery Truck is a crucial step in addressing healthcare disparities in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas where access to medical services is often limited. By leveraging public-private partnerships, the initiative will significantly impact the lives of thousands of Sierra Leoneans, providing essential surgical care where it is most needed.
This collaboration between the government and the Diego Gonzales Rivas Foundation marks a promising future for healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone, signalling a commitment to sustainable healthcare improvements for all citizens.
