By Saidu Jalloh
In a recent press briefing held at the police headquarters in George Street, Freetown, Francis Brima Meinday, the regional commander of the Sierra Leone Police Freetown East, revealed significant strides in combating the drug trade and improving healthcare services in the region.
During the briefing, Mr. Meinday disclosed the arrest of a police officer attached to the OSD headquarters in Grafton with a substantial quantity of Kush, along with 96 wraps of the drug. Emphasizing the importance of professionalism within the police force, Mr. Meinday stressed the need for officers to uphold the law and avoid involvement in illicit activities. He assured the public that no officer found engaging in misconduct would be shielded from accountability.
Mr. Meinday urged citizens to assist law enforcement efforts by providing information on drug trafficking activities. He highlighted recent collaborative patrols with the RSLAF to enhance security throughout the eastern region of Freetown, including checkpoints to scrutinize vehicles for contraband.
In a separate development, Dr. John Conteh, head of the police hospital, provided updates on improvements in healthcare services. Dr. Conteh noted a surge in patient turnout, attributing it to enhanced medical infrastructure and public confidence in the hospital. Notably, he announced that 80 babies were successfully delivered at the hospital between April 2023 and February 2024, with 1,067 pregnant women receiving care during the same period.
Dr. Conteh highlighted advancements in record-keeping, with the transition from manual bookkeeping to a digital system. He also mentioned the provision of free surgical services through collaborations with international doctors, aimed at meeting diverse medical needs within the community.
Moreover, Dr. Conteh outlined upgrades to hospital facilities and personnel, including the implementation of wireless connectivity to improve staff efficiency. He mentioned a recent healthcare screening initiative for police personnel, conducted in partnership with healthcare firm Coadix, to detect and address major illnesses while ensuring patient privacy.
In closing, Mr. Meinday announced the receipt of a substantial donation of medical supplies worth $100,000, attributing the achievement to the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). He extended an invitation to members of the press for complimentary medical check-ups at his office, emphasizing the commitment to public health and well-being.
The Sierra Leone Police’s proactive measures against drug trafficking and commitment to enhancing healthcare services underscore their dedication to maintaining law and order while promoting community welfare.
