By Patrick A. Kai
The District Health Management Team (DHMT) in Kenema has on the 5th February 2022 commissioned a first class clinic to be used by residents of the Kpayama Community and its environs.
During a well attended ceremony Chairman of the occasion revealed that the community, which is within the Kenema Municipality, has for over fifteen years gone without a Community Health Center.
Brima Lamin informed that the health facility that was been used before was a privately owned property and after using it for the past four years the owner decided to use the premise for another purpose.
He expressed profound gratitude and showered praises on the DHMT and partners for providing a permanent structure meant for the provision of medical services.
The Chairman pleaded with the District Medical Officer to send committed health workers that would work in the interest of the community.
On his part, the Head of the District Health Management Team commenced his statement by thanking the community for their patience and cooperation during the construction of the said health facility.
The District Medical Officer, Doctor Donald Grant, intimated that as people who are poised to providing quality health services in the district, they were left with no option but to strive for a permanent structure.
The District Medical Officer (DMO) lauded the Management of the Kenema District Council for the provision of fund for the project.
Donald intimated how there are eighteen health centers in the city and twelve of those centers are rented buildings which is not pleasing to him which was why it was decided that they should build theirs.
Since then, he added, that they have built six health posts, including the one within the Kpayama community.
He expressed delight that now their staff will work in those centers at peace without fear of being evicted.
He promised that at least a health center would be built every year, before revealing that another will be built this year.
“This structure comprises two sections. One is for the pregnant women; consisting of a standard labor ward with two toilets, resting room. The other section is for general purpose. It consists of ten rooms, vaccination room, store for the storage of food/medicines, a cold room, family planning and consultation room among others.”
The award-winning DMO assured that he would send dedicated staff to the newly established health facility. He also promised to electrify the facility with solar panels and bring in solar refrigerators.
He furthermore pleaded for land to construct a quarter for his staff.
The Kenema District Mayor’s representative, who doubles as the Deputy Mayor, expressed her profound gratitude for the speedy and quality work done in the aforesaid community.
Easter Nguanya Kai-Samba reassured the gathering of the Council’s support towards the transformation of the health system in the district.
She admonished the community residents to make good use of the facility as well as monitor the operations of staff regularly.
She also advised the Bondo Society leaders and the local authorities not to allow pregnant women to deliver at home.
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