By Ibrahim Sesay
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has officially commissioned the newly renovated Mortuary Unit at Connaught Hospital, signaling a major step in the efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and restore dignity in the management of the dead.
The commissioning ceremony, which was held on Thursday 30th October, 2025 at the hospital grounds in Freetown, brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Hospital Management and staff who described the project as a “transformation from despair to dignity”.
In his welcome address, Dr. I. M. Kapuwa, the Hospital Care Manager at Connaught Hospital, said the renovation represents a new era for the hospital and the nation.
“For over two decades, the Connaught Hospital mortuary had not undergone any major upgrade. The building was dilapidated, the cold rooms worn out and far beyond their lifespan,” Dr. I.M Kapuwa said.
“Today, that story has changed. The mortuary has been transformed into a modern facility that meets international standards with new equipment, lighting and spaces for teaching and training.”
He added that three new cold rooms, each with individual compartments, have been installed to ensure that every deceased person is treated with respect and individuality. The upgraded mortuary also features CCTV for security, improved water supply and enhanced working conditions for staff, who have undergone specialized training in customer care and professionalism.
Dr. I.M. Kapuwa expressed deep appreciation to the Minister of Health, the Chief Medical Officer and his deputy, Dr. Mustapha Kabba for their leadership and commitment.
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at the Ministry of Health, said the project forms part of a broader three-phase strategy to improve healthcare service delivery at Connaught Hospital.
“We began by restoring basic services such as water, electricity and cleanliness,” Dr. Mustapha Kabba said.
“Phase two, where we are now, focuses on specialized care, upgrading the mortuary, improving pathology and radiology services and renovating key departments like the ICU and surgical theatres. Ultimately, our goal is to make Connaught a centre of excellence in healthcare delivery.”
In his keynote statement, Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, reflected on the hospital’s transformation over the past few years.
“Four or five years ago, Connaught was in crisis; staff were unhappy, patients were uncomfortable and the environment was chaotic,” he recalled. “Today, we are witnessing a new chapter, not only in infrastructure but in professionalism and public confidence.”
Dr. Austin Demby further highlighted that the Ministry has strengthened laboratory services, introduced advanced imaging and CT scan facilities, and is also constructing a state-of-the-art burns unit.
He added energy costs have been reduced through the installation of solar panels with storage capacity equivalent to a 1,200 KVA generator.
The Minister emphasized that the Connaught mortuary upgrade is part of a nationwide effort to improve healthcare infrastructure.
“This commissioning is not a single event but a national effort,” he said. “We aim to establish similar modern mortuary facilities across the country.” He urged the staff to maintain professionalism so that the public can build trust and confidence in the services provided.
The newly commissioned mortuary is expected to serve as a model for similar facilities nationwide, underscoring the Government’s commitment to ensuring dignity in death and better healthcare delivery.
