Dr. Mustapha Kabba Applauds Choithram’s Collaborative Efforts in Transforming  Healthcare

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By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a momentous event that underscored the power of international cooperation in healthcare, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba recently expressed profound gratitude to a visiting surgical team from Germany and the Choithram Memorial Hospital. Their invaluable contributions are igniting hope in a healthcare system grappling with significant challenges, including limited resources and infrastructure deficiencies. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer acknowledged these hurdles but reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to addressing them and achieving universal healthcare for all Sierra Leoneans.

Dr. Mustapha Kabba eloquently articulated the pressing need for improvements within the healthcare sector, yet he remained optimistic about the strides being made. He highlighted the public-private partnership model exemplified by Choithram Memorial Hospital, emphasizing how effective collaboration can bridge the gaps that have long plagued Sierra Leone’s healthcare system. This model not only strengthens service delivery but also sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare access across the nation, he underscored.

A key aspect of Dr. Mustapha Kabba’s address was the emphasis on local capacity-building through targeted training programs. By fostering an environment where qualified medical professionals can be trained domestically, the Government aims to reduce reliance on overseas training, thereby cultivating a self-sustaining healthcare workforce, he asserted. This vision is particularly pertinent when considering the needs of marginalized communities, as Dr. Mustapha Kabba expressed optimism about the far-reaching impact of the surgeries that the German team is performing, especially for children who have been historically underserved.

The message of gratitude was further echoed by Dr. Gowrinath M. George, the Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital. In his remarks, he applauded the dedication of the Operations Theatre staff and formally introduced the visiting medical team, whose expertise, he intimated, has been pivotal in delivering life-changing surgical interventions. Dr. Gowrinath George announced the addition of several new specialists to the hospital’s roster, including Dr. Abhilash Babu Panackal, a Joint Replacement and Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Vladyslav V. Kozakov, a Consultant Neurosurgeon, Dr. Andriy Danyltsiv, a Consultant Anesthetist, and Dr. Nikoloz S. Dzagnidze, a Consultant Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeon. These strategic additions, he pointed out, signify the hospital’s commitment to expanding its capabilities and enhancing healthcare services in Sierra Leone.

Harish Agnani, a prominent figure in the initiative, emphasized the profound importance of the surgical camp, which provides free surgeries for various conditions, including post-burn contractures, deformities, tumors affecting the hands and feet, as well as cleft lip and palate issues. He highlighted how that remarkable initiative has been made possible through a fruitful 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, epitomizing the program’s dedication to alleviating the healthcare burden on the less privileged.

Reflecting on the program’s achievements, he revealed that the surgical team successfully performed 53 surgeries in 2023, 64 in 2024, and 40 so far in 2025. Their unwavering commitment to maximizing the number of surgeries during their stay is a testament to their dedication to improving the lives of those in need, according to him. He commended the remarkable efforts of Dr. Eric Wongo, whose instrumental role in screening patients ensured that the visiting team could commence surgeries without any unnecessary delays. The Chief Administrator expressed heartfelt gratitude to the German medical team, praising their altruism as they selflessly dedicate their leave periods to charitable work.

Looking to the future, Harish Agnani announced plans for the hospital to begin offering joint replacement surgeries locally, a significant step towards reducing the dependency on overseas medical travel for such essential procedures. This initiative not only enhances local healthcare capabilities but also signifies a broader commitment to improving healthcare access for all Sierra Leoneans.

Acknowledging the support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Harish Agnani also appreciated the role of the Dental and Medical Council in facilitating the camp’s success. He highlighted ongoing infrastructural improvements at the hospital, including a comprehensive overhaul of the road network within the premises, aimed at enhancing accessibility and service delivery.

As the surgical camp unfolds, it stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact of collaborative efforts in transforming Sierra Leone’s healthcare landscape. Through continued partnerships, capacity-building initiatives and unwavering commitment to service, the future of healthcare in Sierra Leone appears brighter than ever.

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The Calabash Newspaper The Calabash Newspaper
The Calabash Newspaper Established in 2017, The Calabash Newspaper serves as a trusted platform for news and general information dissemination, catering to a broad Sierra Leonean audience both at home and abroad through its active presence on social media. The publication is committed to engaging its diverse readership by reporting on topical news events in Sierra Leone, enriched with editorials and insightful commentaries on pressing issues of the day. In addition to local news, The Calabash Newspaper expands its scope to include topics of continental interest, drawing from various international publications that address political, economic, and social developments across Africa.
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