By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Parents and guardians should take advantage of the rare and transformative medical opportunity that promises to change the lives of children in Sierra Leone. Choithram Memorial Hospital, in collaboration with the Bintumani Association, is currently encouraging registration for a free pediatric surgical program designed to provide expert treatment to children under fifteen suffering from various medical conditions. With only a limited window remaining before the registration process closes, families must act with urgency to ensure their children receive this life-changing care from a team of highly skilled German surgeons set to perform critical procedures from March 21 to April 4, 2025.
This groundbreaking initiative is dedicated to addressing conditions such as neck fistulas and cysts, soft tissue tumors, sequelae of thermal injuries, malformations of the urogenital and gastrointestinal tract, hernias, hypospadias, undescended testes, abdominal wall deformities and minor contractures. Every child registered will be assessed through a screening process to determine eligibility, ensuring that those in dire need receive the specialized treatment required to improve their quality of life. With the program being entirely free of charge, this is an unprecedented opportunity for families who may otherwise struggle to afford such advanced medical procedures.
Choithram Memorial Hospital’s Management has underscored the significance of this initiative, noting that the team of German pediatric surgeons has been conducting similar medical missions in Sierra Leone since 2010. This year’s program seeks to extend access to critical healthcare, particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. With screenings already underway and demand expected to be high, it is imperative that parents and guardians move swiftly to secure their children’s participation in this vital program before the registration period concludes.
Dr. Gowrinath M. George, Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, has provided insight into the registration process, explaining that screenings are being conducted at various centers to identify eligible patients. A final list of selected children will be compiled, after which they will be referred to Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown for free surgical procedures. While the program covers an extensive range of pediatric conditions, it is important to note that surgeries for hydrocephalus, myelomeningoceles, incomplete backbone closure, clubfoot, esophageal stricture and cleft lip and palate will not be included in this year’s camp.
Since registration officially commenced on February 24, 2025, the response has been overwhelming, reflecting the urgency and necessity of such an initiative. Families interested in securing a place for their children can contact the hospital at +232 76541331 or visit Choithram Memorial Hospital from Monday to Friday for further details. With only a short time remaining, hesitation could mean missing out on a life-altering opportunity.
Harish Agnani, Chief Administrator of the Choithram Group, has reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to all Sierra Leoneans. He emphasized that this free pediatric surgical camp is part of Choithram’s ongoing mission to provide accessible medical interventions to those most in need.
The initiative has also received significant support from Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Dr. M. L. Baryoh, whose instrumental role in facilitating collaboration between the Bintumani Association’s German pediatric team and Choithram Memorial Hospital has been invaluable in making this program a reality.
With the registration now ongoing, it is crucial that parents and guardians take decisive action now. This is a chance to secure expert treatment for children who need it most, offering them renewed hope and a healthier future. The impact of this initiative extends far beyond immediate medical care; it represents a commitment to the well-being of Sierra Leone’s children and a testament to the unwavering dedication of Choithram Memorial Hospital and the Bintumani Association to improving healthcare across the nation. Families must not let this opportunity slip away. The time to act is now.
