By Millicent Senava Mannah
In order to enhance healthcare administrative capabilities, Orange SL has donated a set of desktop computers to the Lumley Central Hospital. The donation, made on June 21, 2024, aligns with Orange Foundation’s ongoing support for the President Dr. Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre of Excellence at the hospital.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Francis Smart, Director of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of integrating modern technology into the healthcare system. “It is essential for every child born in Sierra Leone to not only grow healthy but also thrive by ensuring we keep good records of him or her,” he said, highlighting the critical role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in medical record-keeping.
Sekou Amadou Bah, Chief Executive Officer of Orange SL, expressed gratitude to the attendees and reiterated the company’s commitment to Sierra Leone’s development and digitization efforts. “Donating these desktop computers is part of our belief in facilitating growth across various sectors. I congratulate the Ministry of Health for spearheading this significant health project. Together, we can ensure no one is left behind,” he noted.
Representing the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, Dr. Mustapha Kabba lauded the gesture. “It is essential for facilities like this to be technologically equipped. This initiative is a stride towards our goal to digitize health records and improve service delivery,” he said, reflecting on the transformative potential of digital healthcare tools.
Dr. Kabba also expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the Ministry of Health and the Government of Sierra Leone. He noted that the donation, along with a recent contribution by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) of $16,500,000, is crucial in enhancing the hospital’s capacity and service delivery.
The President Dr. Julius Maada Bio Paediatric Centre of Excellence, a key feature of the hospital, offers specialized healthcare services for children and has significantly improved the hospital’s facilities. It now houses 166 patient beds and 46 beds dedicated to the Special Baby Care Unit (SBCU), equipped with advanced medical technology, including phototherapy units, high-incubators and radiant warmers. Additionally, a dedicated kangaroo mother care unit supports neonatal care and high-quality baby care services.
Dr. Ayesha Mustapha, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, extended heartfelt thanks to Orange SL and its CEO. She praised their contribution and vision for a technologically advanced healthcare system. “This collaborative effort between Orange SL and the Government of Japan demonstrates a shared commitment to improving healthcare service delivery in Sierra Leone, providing a brighter future for the nation’s healthcare system,” she remarked.
