By Ibrahim S. Bangura
FREETOWN, October 8, 2026: The Ministry of Health (MoH) and Partners In Health (PIH) have concluded a strategic review of staffing, service readiness and ongoing infrastructure developments at Koidu Government Hospital (KGH), aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery and supporting the hospital’s expansion plans.
The engagement, held at the New Brookfields Hotel, brought together senior Ministry officials, KGH management and representatives of PIH to assess operational challenges and key priorities affecting service delivery at the country’s eastern regional referral hospital.
A major focus of discussions was staffing and accountability, particularly shortages among nurses and midwives, as well as concerns over staff attendance and deployment. Participants called for the reconciliation of staffing requirements with posting lists and duty rosters, verification of absenteeism cases and the application of appropriate administrative measures where necessary.
The meeting also underscored the need for timely replacement of personnel, proper orientation of newly deployed staff and strengthened supervision to ensure workforce gaps do not undermine healthcare services.
On infrastructure, the Ministry and PIH reviewed several projects at KGH, including the Outpatient Department, solar power installation, medical warehouse and distribution centre, and training centre, all of which were reported to be completed or ready for commissioning.
Discussions also covered plans for a proposed 120-bed paediatric complex, with stakeholders examining requirements for its development and integration into the hospital’s broader expansion agenda.
The meeting further addressed arrangements for the relocation of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) building, storage facilities and a nearby mosque to make way for future developments. Officials emphasized that any relocation process would be preceded by extensive consultations with religious leaders, community representatives and other stakeholders.
Dialysis service readiness featured prominently during the review. Although three dialysis machines donated by the Government of India have been allocated to KGH, officials noted that critical preparatory work remains outstanding, including refurbishment of the designated dialysis space and completion of the required water system infrastructure.
To accelerate progress, the Ministry requested a detailed engineering assessment, a costed scope of work and a practical implementation timeline to guide the establishment of the service.
The engagement also reviewed preparations for the commissioning of completed facilities, implementation of the hospital’s strategic plan and ongoing efforts toward accreditation as a tertiary healthcare facility.
The meeting concluded on a celebratory note as Ministry and PIH leaders joined Chief Medical Officer, Dr. med Mustapha Sundifu Kabba, in marking his birthday. The ceremony highlighted the strong partnership between the two institutions as they continue collaborating to improve hospital services, address operational challenges and enhance healthcare delivery across Sierra Leone.