By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Friday 17 April 2026 handed over a 56-seater staff bus and a Toyota Land Cruiser to the Koidu Government Hospital in Kono District, in a move aimed at improving working conditions and enhancing service delivery for healthcare workers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh described the hospital as a place that holds special significance to him, explaining that the intervention followed concerns raised by staff during a previous visit in March 2026 when he joined them for Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan. He noted that the initiative was conceived after health workers identified key challenges affecting their performance, including transportation, accommodation and continued education, adding that he had committed to engaging the Ministry of Health to address those concerns.
The Vice President, whose office supervises the country’s public health sector, stated that the Government secured a 56-seater bus, which he handed over on behalf of Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He emphasized that reliable transportation is critical to improving service delivery, particularly during difficult seasons, noting that the provision of the bus would enable staff to report for duty more consistently while serving as an important component of the welfare package for nurses.
Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh also urged that the vehicle be properly maintained to ensure long-term benefit, stressing the importance of keeping it in good condition. He further linked the intervention to broader gains in the health sector, pointing out that Government efforts have contributed to reductions in maternal and infant mortality, as well as an increase in the number of healthcare workers nationwide, while emphasizing that continued investment in staff welfare remains essential.
Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Dr. Charles Senesie, welcomed the support and described it as consistent with the President’s vision to address challenges within the sector. He noted that transportation remains a critical issue, particularly during emergencies, stating that when crises occur, transport becomes a serious challenge and called for innovative solutions to strengthen healthcare delivery. He added that the Ministry looks forward to further interventions, including the provision of motorbikes.
District Medical Officer, Dr. Mohamed Gbeshay Sheku, also commended the intervention, recalling that staff had struggled with transportation for over 15 years. He expressed confidence that the new support would significantly improve access to services and described the gesture as a reflection of the Ministry’s commitment, noting that healthcare workers remain dedicated to working collectively to improve lives and deliver quality care.
