By Amin Kef Sesay
In the wake of an assault the Ministry of Health and Sanitation has instituted an independent investigative panel to thoroughly look into the issue and come up with recommendations.
However, prior to that the Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association (SLMDA), issued a Press Release dated 14th April 2021 and signed by Dr. Delwin M. Findlay as President and Dr. Samba Jalloh as General Secretary in which it totally condemned the physical assault of Dr. Catherine Jackson Cole on Tuesday, 13th of April 2021 at Connaught Hospital by Senior Officials of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation.
It furthered that such an ugly action done by key officials of the MOHS is totally unacceptable especially for a female colleague of such a noble profession to be assaulted publicly.
The SLMDA, the Release continued, condemns the assault of its member in the strongest possible terms adding that their hearts are with their colleague and family at this time.
“Unfortunately, the intimidation of doctors by key officials of MOHS is not new,” they maintained giving instances of inappropriate postings, diverting opportunities, writing letters threatening doctors who are demanding a well-structured and efficient healthcare system in the country.
They pointed out how they are working day and night (24 Hours) more than the required time for a civil servant to ensure maximum healthcare service delivery to the people of Sierra Leone even with the extremely low number of doctors in the country, with less motivation for their extra work, slow progress in post graduate training, several welfare issues, unhealthy working environment and a poorly structured and inefficient healthcare system.
According to them the public may recall that during the last strike action promises were made to address perennial issues affecting the health sector, most of which are yet to be addressed.
The SLMDA said after meeting with their members they agreed to withhold their services till a response is made to their genuine concerns notwithstanding the fact that skeletal staffs are around to ensure that emergencies/critical cases are managed during the strike action.
They said to reiterate, they are withholding their services until the Government of Sierra Leone adequately respond to the following concerns: Justice for their colleague, Dr. Catherine Jackson Cole, a Public Apology to their colleague, the setting up of a committee to conduct an investigation into the events that transpired and communicate its findings with the SLMDA and subsequent disciplinary action, that the entire membership of the SLMDA stands in solidarity with Catherine and will not tolerate any action to victimize her.
It affirmed that any attempts to do so will undoubtedly lead to very grave consequences while asking the general public to remain calm saying their primary focus is their patients tendering an apology for any inconveniences or unintended consequences stating that Sierra Leoneans deserve a better health sector now.
Earlier, the Junior Doctors of Sierra Leone were the first to issue out a statement that they were going to down tools.
Dr. Catherine Jackson – Cole later went to the Central Police Station where she made an official complaint against the Government officials who assaulted her. The entire medical staff, doctors, nurses, lab technicians and cleaners accompanied her to the Police Station.
According to the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, volunteers were hired to clean the hospital and in the process of doing so the contractual workers decided to obstruct the volunteers. He said they received a distress call at that juncture and the Deputy Minister, Permanent Secretary and the Chief Medical Officer went to the scene in order to put the situation under control. While that was taking place Dr. Catherine Jackson-Cole started videoing and running live commentary. She was cautioned to stop but she refused and it was at that moment that they tried to take her phone away from her and a fracas ensued.
It must be reiterated that Dr. Austin Demby has said the Ministry of Health will set up an independent investigative panel to look into the matter after which appropriate remedial actions will be taken.
Meanwhile, the Minister has called on staff at the hospital and all doctors to return to work while investigations into the assault on Dr Jackson-Cole as well as the issue of unpaid cleaners are conducted.
