By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, September 3, 2026: The Ministry of Health has launched a mentorship programme for medical equipment technicians, commonly known as Biomedical Engineers, aimed at building a new generation of skilled personnel to keep healthcare equipment functioning optimally and patients safe.
The initiative was officially launched by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba, on behalf of Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby, a key pioneer of the Biomedical Unit since its inception in 2025. Sixty technicians have been enrolled in the first cohort, with UNICEF partnering to provide technical training equipment.
Officials emphasized that the programme is ultimately about patients: well‑maintained and correctly operated medical devices mean faster, more accurate diagnoses and safer treatment. It also protects the Ministry’s investment in modern equipment by ensuring proper installation, calibration, and maintenance.
The mentorship model pairs experienced local engineers with newcomers, embedding a culture of sustainability so that skills, standards, and institutional knowledge remain within the system long after the programme ends.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening specialized healthcare services, ensuring that Sierra Leone’s hospitals are equipped not only with modern technology but also with the expertise to keep that technology working for patients.