By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 19, 2025: More than 1,150 Sierra Leoneans have regained their vision thanks to a nationwide cataract surgery outreach programme spearheaded by Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown in partnership with the Ministry of Health and several global organisations.
The four-month initiative, among the country’s most ambitious medical outreach efforts to date, aims to complete at least 1,500 free cataract surgeries by early July. The campaign is a collaboration between Choithram Memorial Hospital, Choithram International Foundation, Noor Dubai Foundation, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and India’s Choithram Netralaya Eye Hospital.
“This camp has changed the lives of over 1,150 people so far,” said Harish Agnani, Head of the Choithram Group. “Every patient receives the surgery and full support—transportation, accommodation, meals, and even a daily allowance—all at no cost.”
Patients from remote districts such as Kono, Kabala, Makeni, and Pujehun undergo initial screenings locally before being transported to Freetown for the procedures. Each patient receives a SLL1,200 stipend (about US$50) during their three-day medical journey.
A rotating team of ophthalmologists from Choithram Netralaya in India have been instrumental in the campaign, performing up to 30 surgeries per day and working seven days a week. “They’re not only skilled professionals but also deeply committed humanitarians,” noted Dr Meghna Jain, Consultant for the Community Department.
Choithram’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Gowrinath M. George, said the team’s dedication has pushed them beyond the initial goal of 1,000 surgeries. “Now we’re targeting at least 1,500 successful procedures,” he added.
Beyond treating patients, the programme has helped build local capacity by training Sierra Leonean healthcare workers in screening, pre-op assessments, and post-op care. “This isn’t just a one-time event—it’s an investment in the future of our healthcare system,” Dr George emphasized.
According to Dr Lloyd Harrison Williams, Acting Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme, nearly 60% of people over 50 in Sierra Leone suffer from cataracts. With only six ophthalmologists in the country, he stressed the urgency of sustainable eye health solutions. “This partnership is a model of compassionate, impactful care. It’s become a national movement,” he said.
As the programme enters its final phase, rural screenings will conclude by Saturday, while those in Freetown will wrap up by June 25. The final surgeries are scheduled to take place by July 8.
“Every patient deserves to see the world clearly again,” said Dr Nita Khan, one of the latest additions to the international team.