By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a significant step forward for Sierra Leone’s healthcare system, the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, presided over a ceremony on Thursday, 21st November 2024, at the Ministry of Health Conference Hall in Freetown, where eight neurosurgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists were officially welcomed as the first cohort of locally trained specialist doctors. This landmark achievement marks a new era for the nation’s medical workforce and aims to address critical healthcare challenges.
The eight newly trained specialists, who achieved a 100% pass rate in West Africa, were commended for their dedication and excellence.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Clinical), expressed immense pride in the graduates.
He emphasized that this is the first time Sierra Leone has successfully trained such high-level medical specialists locally, a strategic move designed to curb brain drain and meet the country’s specific healthcare needs. “They are fit-for-purpose healthcare practitioners,” Dr. Mustapha Kabba stated, highlighting the significance of this milestone.
Representing her peers, Dr. Rosalitta J. Toogbabu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to complete postgraduate training in Sierra Leone. She called for sustained investment in local medical training programs and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare to Sierra Leoneans.
In his keynote address, Minister Austin Demby outlined the broader implications of this milestone for the healthcare system, noting the Government’s strides toward universal health coverage under President Bio’s administration. While 80-85% of Sierra Leoneans now live within 5km of healthcare facilities, he stressed the importance of improving both access and the quality of care.
“We must double down on primary healthcare and strengthen our secondary and tertiary systems,” the Minister urged, emphasizing the need for infrastructure development, skilled staffing and a robust supply chain. He also assured the new doctors of the Ministry’s support, encouraging them to remain confident, humble and patient as they embark on their careers.
Professor Kehinde Oluwodiya, Acting Chief Medical Director, praised the initiative to train specialists locally, predicting that Sierra Leone would soon achieve self-sufficiency in postgraduate medical training. Similarly, Leeann Rizk, Country Director of the Mama Pikin Foundation, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the development of medical professionals and initiatives aimed at strengthening the healthcare system.
The graduation of Sierra Leone’s first locally trained neurosurgeons, obstetricians and gynecologists represents a monumental achievement. This milestone not only addresses critical gaps in healthcare services but also paves the way for a sustainable future where Sierra Leone can train and retain its own medical professionals, ensuring a brighter, healthier tomorrow for its citizens.
