By: Mohamed Sahr
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby has unveiled a newly renovated mortuary after two decades without any major upgrades on Thursday 30th October 2025 at the Connaught Hospital. The facility, once known for its outdated equipment and poor condition, has been refurbished with state-of-the-art machinery following an eight-week renovation process.
Dr. Demby alluded the tremendous work from the nurses, mortuary staff and all health workers at the hospital. “we will continue to provide the right facilities and change the narrative the hospital has been known for over the years,” he said.
Minister of Health stated that the newly renovated mortuary has up-to-date equipment to ensure a dignify care for the dealth.
Minister of Health outlined the supports from the Government of Sierra Leone and development partners in transforming healthcare system in the country. He mentioned that the ministry will continue to solve some of the major challenges in healthcare delivery including alleviating the welfare of health workers and continue to strengthen capacity building. He said the Ministry remained committed to providing the necessary support to strengthening the healthcare system across the country.
Mark Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager, expressed his delight over the new facility, stating, “History has been made under the leadership of the Minister of Health, Austin Demby.” Kapuwa expressed his hope that the upgraded mortuary would provide dignified care for the deceased, contrasting it with the previous deplorable conditions characterized by outdated equipment and overcrowding.
He further acknowledged that the renovation has brought the facility up to international standards and thanked the Ministry of Health for providing the necessary funding for the renovation. He also mentioned that mortuary staff had already undergone additional training in customer care to better serve the public.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Mustapha Kabba highlighted the importance of providing a conducive environment for the deceased. He explained that the Health Minister had tasked him and the Connaught leadership with the responsibility of upgrading the mortuary, citing the need for specialized care as a key driver for the renovation.
Kabba also assured that the cost of mortuary services would remain affordable and emphasized that mortuary attendants would maintain professionalism at all times.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, spoke at the event, praising the transformation in the health sector under the leadership of Minister Demby. “Today, as Sierra Leoneans, our health is in good hands with Dr. Demby,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, reflected on the challenges Connaught Hospital had faced in the past. He acknowledged the improvements in health services and emphasized the importance of dignity in death, particularly for the country’s premier hospital. Dr. Demby also urged staff to maintain professionalism and high standards.
He concluded by stressing the need to upgrade mortuaries across the country to ensure that all Sierra Leoneans receive respectful care in their final moments.
Victor Swaray, a staff member at the mortuary, expressed his appreciation for the government’s investment in the facelift, believing it would greatly enhance the quality of service provided to the public.
