By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone’s emergency healthcare response system is undergoing significant transformation as the National Emergency Medical Service (NEMS) strengthens its operations through leadership reforms, improved coordination, and a renewed focus on efficiency.
At the centre of this transformation is the Director of NEMS, Songor Kondoyoema, who stated that the service is steadily evolving to meet growing public demand for timely and professional emergency care. Speaking in an interview, he emphasized that recent progress is the result of collective effort and decisive leadership within the health sector.
According to Dr. Kondoyoema, the reforms were initiated following concerns about operational challenges within the system. With support from the Ministry of Health, a restructuring process was introduced to improve accountability, streamline coordination, and enhance service delivery nationwide.
He explained that a team of senior health officials and supervisors was established to overhaul management systems and strengthen operational control. These changes, he noted, have already begun to yield positive results, particularly in emergency response performance.
In a notable development, NEMS recorded a significant increase in emergency interventions in 2025, surpassing the combined total of the previous three years. Dr. Kondoyoema said this reflects improved responsiveness and more efficient deployment of resources.
A key focus of the reform agenda has been ensuring that ambulances remain operational and readily available. The Director emphasized that routine maintenance is essential for sustaining the fleet, stressing that regular servicing and timely replacement of critical parts are necessary to prevent breakdowns and service disruptions.
He further highlighted the importance of investing in fuel, spare parts, and preventive maintenance, describing them as vital to keeping the system functional and reliable.
Beyond logistics, Dr. Kondoyoema underscored the broader mission of NEMS as the frontline of emergency healthcare delivery. He stressed that patients must be transported in properly equipped ambulances by trained personnel, rather than through informal and often unsafe means.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges, including funding gaps and logistical constraints, he maintained that the reforms have laid a strong foundation for long-term improvement.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kondoyoema called for sustained investment and stronger institutional support to build a resilient emergency response system capable of serving all Sierra Leoneans.
“We are moving in the right direction,” he said, “but maintaining this progress will require continuous commitment and collaboration.”