Freetown, October 29, 2025 — Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown has taken a significant step forward in medical diagnostics with the unveiling of a newly donated high-definition XK endoscope machine from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital in the United Kingdom. The donation marks a milestone in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.
The unveiling ceremony brought together key medical and administrative figures, including Harish Agnani, Chief Administrator of the Choithram Group; Dr. David Nylander MBE, Consultant Gastroenterologist from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital; Radiologist Dr. Len Gordon-Harris; Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Dr. Edries A. Tejan; Medical Superintendent Dr. Gowrinath M. George; and nurse Fatmata Koroma.
In his address, Harish Agnani praised the dedication of the endoscopy unit staff and credited Dr. Nylander as the architect of the endoscope development project. He recounted that discussions with Dr. Nylander began in 2016, two years after the project’s inception, with a shared vision to build local capacity through training. Agnani noted that the first endoscope machine was donated in 2018, and the latest upgrade was cleared through customs using hospital funds, underscoring Choithram’s commitment to healthcare advancement.
Dr. Nylander reflected on his initial engagement with the hospital in 2014, when outdated equipment prompted the need for modernization. He proposed a training programme that began with a week-long session and continued virtually via WhatsApp. Dr. Edries A. Tejan was among the first trainees, and within two years, the trained staff were able to pass on their knowledge, fulfilling the goal of sustainable growth. Despite a temporary pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training is expected to resume by early 2026.
Highlighting the capabilities of the new XK endoscope, Dr. Nylander explained that it enables early cancer detection and treatment, as well as diagnosis of stomach and bowel ulcers. He commended the Choithram team for their lifesaving work, which inspired the donation.
Dr. Gordon-Harris recalled the reliance on outdated diagnostic methods such as Barium Meals and Enemas in 2013 and 2014. He expressed satisfaction that the long-standing efforts to modernize equipment have come to fruition, affirming that endoscopy now represents the future of diagnostic medicine.
Dr. Tejan emphasized the impact of the donation, noting that patients previously had to travel abroad for procedures, incurring significant costs. With the new machine, world-class diagnostics are now accessible locally and affordably.
Medical Superintendent Dr. George lauded Dr. Nylander’s vision and the dedication of Choithram’s staff, while nurse Fatmata Koroma expressed gratitude for the specialized training she received, which has equipped her to operate the new equipment confidently.
An endoscope is a flexible or rigid instrument fitted with a light and camera, allowing doctors to view internal organs without large incisions. It is widely used across medical fields and offers minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain, recovery time, and infection risks.
Through this latest donation and its enduring partnership with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital, Choithram Memorial Hospital continues to position itself as a leader in medical innovation and training in Sierra Leone.