By Millicent Senava Mannah
The Ministry of Health has on October 31, 2024 issued a firm appeal for the removal of encroachers occupying the land of the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) in Murray Town. Dr. Charles Senesie, Deputy Minister of Health, raised concerns over the unauthorized occupation of nearly half of the NRC’s property, warning that it threatens a crucial $27 million investment earmarked for the center’s development.
Addressing a press conference, Dr. Charles Senesie emphasized the NRC’s pivotal role in advancing Sierra Leone’s healthcare by providing vital rehabilitation services that empower the nation’s youth and support overall development. However, he highlighted that the illegal occupation has restricted vehicular access to the center, an issue that could dissuade international donors from supporting the center’s transformative plans. This planned funding, allocated for major healthcare improvements and specialized equipment, is contingent on a site assessment that requires clear and unimpeded access to evaluate the project’s feasibility.
“Encroachers must vacate the National Rehabilitation Center land,” Dr. Senesie stated, urging immediate action to prevent jeopardizing both the project and the essential funding.
The Ministry’s comprehensive vision for the NRC includes introducing advanced point-of-care data systems at orthopedic and prosthetic (O&P) clinics, upskilling medical personnel and establishing efficient processes for importing critical medical supplies. These initiatives are intended to enhance patient care and extend essential services to remote communities in Sierra Leone. Full access to the NRC’s land, Dr. Senesie stressed, is vital for making these improvements a reality.
Echoing this appeal, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Clinical Officer, called on the encroachers to vacate in support of national health priorities. He stressed that the planned funding would bolster the nation’s health infrastructure, expand rehabilitation programs, and enhance care for individuals in need of specialized treatment, particularly amputees and those with medical conditions like diabetes.
Adding to the urgency, Dr. Ishmaila Kebbie, program manager for the NRC project, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the O&P sector in Sierra Leone. The Ministry aims for sustainable development and enhanced patient care at the NRC over the next four years, but achieving these goals requires immediate action to secure the center’s land.
The Ministry of Health now awaits swift measures to reclaim the NRC property, stressing that the eviction of encroachers is crucial for advancing the nation’s rehabilitation services. The proposed investments have the potential to change lives, but progress hinges on removing all barriers to full access at the National Rehabilitation Center.
