By: Problyn J. Alpha
The management of Koidu Government Hospital and the District Health Management Team in Kono District have received the first quarter supply of free healthcare drugs from the Government of Sierra Leone.
On May 29, 2025, the district received five trucks carrying the free healthcare drugs two trucks were designated for Koidu Government Hospital, while three were allocated to the District Health Management Team for distribution to various Primary Health Units (PHUs) across the district.
The government’s Free Healthcare Initiative aims to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare services, particularly targeting pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under five years old. The initiative provides these vulnerable groups with essential medical services and life-saving drugs without requiring any user fees.
The offloading event at the Koidu Government Hospital drug store attracted several stakeholders, including representatives from the Office of National Security, Civil Security Organisations, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and members of the press.
In a statement, District Pharmacist Abubakarr Bangura explained that the received supplies mark the first quarter delivery of free healthcare drugs for 2025. The shipment includes essential medicines such as family planning products, reproductive health care drugs, and other life-saving medications that support Sierra Leone’s Free Healthcare Initiative.
Pharmacist Bangura assured the government and the public that the drugs would be used judiciously and properly monitored to benefit the intended vulnerable populations.
Glenis Mani Ngujah, Chairman of the Civil Society Organisation in Kono District, told our correspondent that civil society plays a critical role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of the free healthcare drugs.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that all procedures are conducted in line with national laws,” said Ngujah. “Over the years, civil society has actively monitored the offloading and distribution processes to prevent the misappropriation of these essential medicines, which would otherwise deny the targeted beneficiaries access to vital healthcare.”
He added, “We regularly hold key stakeholders accountable whenever shortages arise to protect the interests of the vulnerable.”
Ngujah encouraged the Government of Sierra Leone to maintain its commitment to prioritizing citizens’ health by consistently supplying essential life-saving drugs to all government hospitals across the country in a timely manner.