By Amin Kef (Ranger)
A state of the art Magnetic Resonance (MRI) Machine and Unit were on the February 29, 2024 unveiled or launched at the Choithram Memorial Hospital on Hill Station, in Freetown, by the Honourable Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, during a snap but auspicious event held at the hospital’s conference room.
Among those in attendance were the Minister of Health- Dr. Austin Demby, Deputy Ministers, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Chief Administrator of Choithram Memorial Hospital- Harish Agnani, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Dr. Gordon Harris, Medical Superintendent of the Hospital- Dr. Gowrinath M. George and Medical Practitioners.
Prior to officially commissioning the MRI Machine and Unit, the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, expressed profound appreciation for the leadership that has been provided by both the Ministry of Health and Choithram Memorial Hospital in enhancing the health sector in the country. He furthered that one of the primary focus of the Government is to ensure that Universal Health Coverage is achieved that must encompass mass accessibility to affordable health care. According to him, the proper actualization of such an objective entails a two track approach that involves the public and private sectors.
He highlighted the strides that the Government has so far taken within the last five years to bring up the country’s health sector to standard as well as the achievements scored mentioning increased budgetary allocation to the health sector, ensuring 6,000 health practitioners got PIN Codes, the recruitment of 8,000 additional health workers, reduction in maternal deaths, the support being provided to Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) countrywide.
The Vice President said the results are satisfying and promising further disclosing that the Government has a responsibility to facilitate the process of ensuring that important medical equipment are decentralized, making sure that they are also present in health facilities in the provinces.
He extended thanks to the Choithram International Foundation for the immense support they provided to capacitate the hospital’s diagnostic capacity with an MRI Machine. VP Juldeh Jalloh said one of the greatest advantages of this new development is that it will help in reducing “out of the pocket” expenditure as travelling to other countries, notably Ghana for diagnostic treatment will be drastically reduced. He also mentioned how with the presence of the MRI Machine at Choithram Hospital such will also reduce Government’s assistances for medical treatment overseas.
The high note of his address was when he revealed that through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Management of Choithram Memorial Hospital there will be discount charges for vulnerable persons recommended for MRI scanning. According to him, through the arrangement, there will be a discount of 50% for children and 20% for individuals who are 60 years and above.
He ended up stating that the Government is committed to invest more in the health sector adding that together we can achieve Universal Health Coverage.
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, intimated that it is indeed a big day for Sierra Leone further underscoring how good health is wealth and a prerequisite for development to transpire. He said to attain health benefits standard diagnosis is very significant because it is only when done effectively that proper treatment could be administered. The Minister maintained that even though a health facility might have good or professional doctors it is equally important for it to have the right medical technology. He pointed out that in yester times X-Ray Machines were key in undertaking diagnosis but was quick to point out they have limitations adding how advanced technology like ultra sound, sound waves have been outwitted by the MRI Machine which he said has two magnets that help in thoroughly and deeply carry out scanning of the human body to detect defections.
He expressed thanks and gratitude to the Management of Choithram Hospital for the stride taken saying imaging could now be done effectively in the country instead of accessing such externally and that training is now ongoing for medical staff on how to use the machine.
Earlier, during the programme, Chief Administrator of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Harish Agnani, welcomed all to the auspicious occasion. He said the day marked a significant milestone in the journey of Choithram Memorial Hospital, a journey that began with the construction of the hospital in 1994 and its subsequent inauguration in 2000.
“This hospital stands as a testament to the vision and philanthropic spirit of the late Mr. Thakurdas Choithram Pagarani, the founder of Choithram Group of Companies,” he revealed adding that Mr. Choithram’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Sierra Leone, where he initiated his business venture in 1944, that is 80 years ago, nurturing his family and laid the foundation for his global enterprise.
Harish Agnani disclosed that the hospital is funded by Choithram International Foundation which over the years has generously contributed in expanding and enhancing the hospital’s infrastructure and services.
He said from the humble beginnings of repairing old buildings to the establishment of modern medical facilities, the journey has been one of continuous progress.
“I am delighted to share that the recent developments at Choithram Memorial Hospital include the establishment of a new reception area with an accident and emergency unit, a dialysis unit, an endoscopy unit, Laparoscopy unit, a modern pharmacy building, a modern office building, and a third fully equipped operating theatre, among others,” he informed saying with the inauguration of the MRI unit, they have taken another leap forward in their mission to provide state-of-the-art healthcare services to the people of Sierra Leone.
In highlighting the significance of the MRI machine, he said, it signifies a turning point where patients no longer need to travel abroad for essential diagnostic procedures, saving them not only considerable expenses but also the inconvenience and stress associated with seeking medical care overseas.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Choithram International Foundation for their generous support in funding the construction, furnishing, and equipping the MRI unit.
The Chief Administrator mentioned plans of serving the community through various outreach initiatives and medical camps, to build new pediatric and medical wards further revealing how recently they hosted a team of plastic surgeons from Germany that provided free specialized surgeries to over 60 patients.
He concluded that together, with the support of partners and stakeholders, they will continue to strive towards excellence in healthcare delivery and make a positive impact on the lives of the people they serve. Harish Agnani also appreciated the entire team at Choithram Memorial Hospital, including the directors, management, doctors, nurses, and support staff, for their tireless efforts and dedication to maintaining the highest standards of healthcare delivery.
In his vote of thanks, the Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, Dr. Gowrinath M. George, commended the role the media had played and continues to play in informing the public about new developments also thanking all those who contributed in diverse ways to make the occasion a reality.
The highpoint of the event was the cutting of the tape by the Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, signifying the launch of the MRI Machine and Unit at Choithram Memorial Hospital.
