By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown, on January 22, 2025, hosted a Press Conference to shed light on an ongoing free plastic surgery camp aimed at serving underprivileged individuals. This significant humanitarian initiative is spearheaded by a dedicated team of German doctors supported by Interplast Germany, alongside the celebrated Nigerian surgeon, Professor Bayo Aluko-Olokun, renowned for his expertise in cleft lip and palate surgeries.
The Press Conference saw the presence of notable figures, including Dr. Lutz Gruhl (Plastic Surgeon), Dr. Bernd Heidemann (Hand/Trauma Surgeon), Dr. Olaf Weigt (Anesthetist), Mr. Nikolaus Brunner (Anesthetic Nurse), Mrs. Monika Schäfer (Physiotherapist), Dr. med. Friedrich Matthaei (Plastic Surgeon), Professor Bayo Aluko-Olokun, and local medical leaders such as Dr. Gowrinath M. George (Medical Superintendent) and Dr. Mustapha Kabba (Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Ministry of Health). Harish Agnani, Chief Administrator of the hospital, along with some of the hospital staff.
Harish Agnani, who chaired the event, began by extending New Year greetings and emphasizing the profound importance of the surgical camp. He elaborated that the program provides free surgeries for conditions such as post-burn contractures, deformities, tumors affecting the hands and feet, cleft lip and palate issues. This initiative, he noted, has been made possible through a collaboration between Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Germany, Dr. M. L. Baryoh, and Interplast Germany. Harish Agnani highlighted that all services, including follow-up care, are completely free, demonstrating the program’s dedication to alleviating the healthcare burden on the less privileged.
Reflecting on the program’s achievements, Harish Agnani revealed that 53 surgeries were successfully performed in 2023, 64 in 2024 and 40 so far in 2025. The team remains committed to maximizing the number of surgeries during their stay. He commended the remarkable efforts of Dr. Eric Wongo, who has been instrumental in screening patients and laying the groundwork, ensuring that the visiting team could commence surgeries without delay. Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the German medical team, Harish Agnani praised their altruism, as they selflessly dedicate their leave periods to charitable work. He also announced future plans for the hospital to offer joint replacement surgeries locally, reducing the dependency on overseas medical travel for such procedures.
Acknowledging the support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Harish Agnani appreciated the role of the Dental and Medical Council in facilitating the camp. He also highlighted ongoing infrastructural improvements at the hospital, including a comprehensive overhaul of the road network within the premises, to enhance accessibility and service delivery.
Dr. Gowrinath M. George, the hospital’s Medical Superintendent, applauded the contributions of the Operations Theatre staff and formally introduced the visiting medical team. He also announced the addition of new specialists to the hospital’s roster, including Dr. Abhilash Babu Panackal (Joint Replacement and Orthopedic Surgeon), Dr. Vladyslav V. Kozakov (Consultant Neurosurgeon), Dr. Andriy Danyltsiv (Consultant Anesthetist), and Dr. Nikoloz S. Dzagnidze (Consultant Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeon). These additions, he noted, are a testament to the hospital’s commitment to expanding its capabilities and enhancing healthcare services in Sierra Leone.
Speaking on behalf of the German team, Dr. Lutz Gruhl expressed deep appreciation for the warm reception they received. He emphasized the transformative impact of plastic surgery in restoring dignity and improving societal integration for patients. Dr. Lutz Gruhl lauded the meticulous preparations led by Dr. Eric Wongo, which allowed the team to operate seamlessly. He further acknowledged Interplast Germany for their generous funding, which covers travel, equipment and logistical needs, underscoring their mission to make plastic surgery accessible to underserved populations worldwide.
Representing the Government, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, expressed profound gratitude to the visiting team and Choithram Memorial Hospital for their invaluable contributions to healthcare in Sierra Leone. He acknowledged the significant challenges facing the healthcare system, including limited resources and infrastructure deficiencies, but reaffirmed the Government’s ongoing efforts to address these gaps and achieve universal healthcare. Dr Mustapha Kabba highlighted the hospital’s public-private partnership model as an example of effective collaboration in the healthcare sector.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer also stressed the importance of local capacity-building through training programs aimed at producing qualified medical professionals, thereby reducing reliance on overseas training. He expressed optimism about the far-reaching impact of the surgeries, particularly for marginalized children and reiterated the Government’s commitment to fostering private-sector participation in healthcare delivery.
The conference concluded on a hopeful note, with all stakeholders reaffirming their collective resolve to improve healthcare access and outcomes in Sierra Leone. The initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion and innovation in addressing critical healthcare needs and transforming lives.
