By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone – Thursday, April 2, 2026: President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has commissioned a state-of-the-art diagnostic center and modern burns unit at Connaught Government Hospital in Freetown, marking a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s health sector reform.
The newly inaugurated facilities include the country’s first publicly owned advanced CT scanners, ultrasound equipment, and a fully equipped burns unit — significantly boosting Sierra Leone’s capacity to diagnose and manage complex medical conditions.
In his keynote address, President Bio commended healthcare workers, partners, and stakeholders, urging professionalism and proper maintenance of the facilities. He emphasized that the strength of a nation depends on the health of its people, reiterating his government’s focus on human capital development.
“We must safeguard these facilities to ensure they remain fully functional and beneficial to the public,” he stated.
Senior Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Andrew Sorie, praised President Bio as a visionary leader whose global partnerships have driven transformative progress in the health sector.
Welcoming the President, Medical Superintendent of Connaught Hospital, Dr. I.M. Kapuwa, expressed gratitude for the administration’s sustained investments, noting that the milestone reflects strong leadership and commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s health system.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Musa Kabba, explained that the project was partly inspired by lessons from the Wellington fuel tanker explosion, which exposed critical gaps in emergency response capacity. He described the new facilities as a shift from reactive to prepared healthcare delivery.
Representing local partners, NP/Leoneoil CEO Mr. Cole highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration, noting that the burns unit symbolizes hope and improved care for citizens.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, described the commissioning as a historic step in improving diagnostic capability and emergency care, stressing that the equipment will significantly strengthen service delivery and patient outcomes.
The commissioning marks a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s healthcare transformation, reflecting ongoing efforts to expand infrastructure, improve service delivery, and build a resilient health system.