By: Saidu Jalloh
In a significant healthcare initiative to enhance the well-being of police officers, their families, and surrounding communities, the Surgeon in Action Foundation, in collaboration with Kingtom Police Hospital, has launched a free surgical campaign.
The campaign commenced with a patient screening session led by Dr. John Mumuneh Konteh, Medical Superintendent of Kingtom Police Hospital. This initial phase is designed to assess the medical conditions of individuals from various regions who have registered for the program. Screenings will determine patients’ eligibility for surgery, with operations scheduled to begin on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
Dr. Konteh explained that patients whose conditions do not require surgery will receive alternative medical advice. Those identified as needing surgical intervention will be provided with hospital cards to facilitate seamless treatment. He emphasized that the screening process reflects the hospital’s commitment to transparency and accountability in healthcare delivery.
“All police health facilities across the regions have been given equal opportunities to benefit from this initiative,” Dr. Konteh stated, underscoring that all procedures, including surgeries, will be free of charge.
The campaign has garnered strong support from the Inspector General of Police, who has played a pivotal role in enhancing healthcare access for police personnel. Dr. Konteh noted the Inspector General’s vision to establish health facilities in areas with a significant police presence, reducing the need for officers to travel long distances for medical care.
The Kingtom Police Hospital has undergone significant upgrades, transforming it into a teaching health centre where medical students receive field training and mentorship. The hospital also conducts 95% of the medical examinations required for police officers deploying on peacekeeping missions, further demonstrating its enhanced capacity and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.
The inclusion of paediatric specialists from Spain has bolstered this year’s campaign, ensuring that children in the community will also benefit from this vital initiative.
The free surgical campaign represents a crucial step in addressing the healthcare needs of police personnel and their families, underscoring a broader commitment to the health and well-being of the entire community.
In addition to the surgical campaign, the Surgeon in Action Foundation, in partnership with the CR Bisturi Solidario Foundation from Spain, has donated an anaesthesia machine valued at over $50,000 USD to the Kingtom Police Hospital.
Dr. Konteh provided a detailed overview of the machine’s operations, which he said were the delivery of Anaesthetic Agents, the machine supplies and mixes medical gases (such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, and air) with volatile aesthetics (like isoflurane and sevoflurane), ensuring accurate concentrations and flow rates are delivered to the patient, ventilation Support.
It offers controlled or assisted ventilation, maintaining oxygenation and facilitating the removal of carbon dioxide, particularly when spontaneous breathing is compromised during general anaesthesia, monitoring, and Safety Systems, the machine includes alarms and monitors that track gas flow, oxygen levels, pressure, and volume. Safety features, such as oxygen fail-safe mechanisms and pressure-relief valves, are designed to prevent complications like hypoxia or barotrauma. The scavenging System system captures and safely disposes of waste anaesthetic gases, ensuring a safe working environment for medical staff.
Dr. Konteh concluded that this advanced machine would significantly enhance patient safety and comfort, enabling precise and controlled anaesthesia delivery, which is crucial for successful surgical outcomes.