By: Mohamed Sahr
Ministry of Health has inducted one hundred and ten (110) junior medical doctors into the country’s work force as well handed over rent allowances to fifty-two junior doctors who have undergone their horsemanship in the form of a cheque of NLe 15,742 per months on Tuesday 1st August, 2023 at the Family Kingdom Resort in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health said for those one hundred and ten (110) junior doctors that have been graduated to embrace what they have learned over the course of their entire spell of training as well cladded into the doctor hood should have to reclaim the dignity, power, and authority in the discharge their professional function; adding that empathy for patient needs to be the vehicle that drives them all throughout their work.
He urged the junior doctors to step up their game with an invigorating spirit of focus, consistency, vision and believe especially for the 52 beneficiary junior doctors that would be stationed in the rural communities. “This is something you should build on in the country as well be consistent in your work so as to make the country proud,” Dr Demby said.
Minister of Health furthered that they need to build on home institutions for a better future and ensure to get the balance right in enhancing better health systems in the country.
He admonished the junior doctors to believe in themselves with focus of service as well be entirely ambitious and determined. Minister Demby revealed that the Government of Sierra Leone is building a pediatric Centre of Excellence in Kono and Freetown that would be fully equipped with modern equipment. He encouraged the junior doctors to tap on the opportunity in the country and ensure to serve Sierra Leone for now and forever.
Dr Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health said the entire event focuses on both the symbolic handing over of 42 hand-held Ultrasound Devices donated by a confidential donor and equally the handing over of rent allowances to junior doctors who are going to the provinces.
Dr Gibriel Fadlu Deen, Director of Clinical Studies at College of Medicine and Allied Health and Sciences (COMAHS) said after a successful internship program otherwise apprenticeship, the junior doctors who finished their course were taught about the necessary things of clinical medicines. He emphasized that these trainees worked under the supervisor of senior medical doctors and senior registrars. “They were able to learn and had the skills like good communication between them and the patients, time management as well as skills of consultancy,” Dr Fadlu Deen added.
He mentioned that the reason for the one year provincial tour hinges on getting experience about the way medicine is practiced in the provincial areas. Dr Fadlu Deen encouraged the internship junior doctors to continue having bite on their basis sciences and be prepared to face their primary examination which would commence in due course.
Dr Edries Tejan, President of Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association said this is the first time in Sierra Leone for the Ministry of Health to organize an induction program for junior doctors who have graduated.
He thanked the Minister of Health for such a milestone; hoping that the welfare of the junior doctors would continue to be a dream of the Minister going forward.
Dr Sidikie Mansaray, a junior doctor and one of the beneficiaries said after they had undergone the rural posting, they were promised of granting them with rent allowances and the promise was actualized. He appreciated the Minister of Health and the committee in-charge for their commitments and supports throughout the process.
