CHASL observes first tri-annual general meeting in Lunsar
The Christian Health Association of Sierra Leone (CHASL), an inter-denomination non-governmental organisation has observed its first tri-annual General Meeting for 2013 at the St. John of God Hospital otherwise known as the Mabessaneh Hospital in Lunsar.
The three day session was officially declared open by Paramount Chief Bai Koblo Queen II of Marampa Chiefdom and chaired by the Lunsar Town Chief, Alfred Kamara.
In his welcome address, the Director of Mabessaneh Hospital, Dr. Peter Lansana Dawah said the meeting will enable CHASL members to assess their productive and domestication of services.
He said the hospital came into existence in 1967 and has since been rendering service to mankind apart from the temporal closure it encountered during the rebel war in the country, which resulted in sharp decline of donor funding as most of the founding members returned to their respective home countries.
Dr. Peter Lansana Dawah said his directorate had resolved to domesticate their activities, joined hands with local partners and subsequently became a registered member of CHASL.
The Director of Mabessaneh Hospital said the meeting was not just an opportunity for them to show and share true hospitality, but to as well enable members to see how productive the St. John of God Hospital is in the domestication of services in spite of the many challenges.
His statement was buttressed by the District Planning Officer, Joseph Michael Komeh, who spoke on behalf of the Port Loko District Council.
He said it is incumbent on Council to participate in the development of the District and that they were highly appreciative of the interventions of the St. John of God Hospital in Lunsar.
A brief history of CHASL was presented by its Executive Director, Walter Carew which dates far back in 1975, when 16 mechanical workers met in Bo to deliberate on the deplorable health services in rural areas, as facilities were only limited to towns and cities.
He said this was followed by a survey on health related activities which led to the discovery that 35% of the Health Care Delivery was provided by Christian Health institutions in the country, and the eventual birth of CHASL.
Walter Carew informed the gathering that CHASL now has a membership of 55 institutions consisting of ten General Hospitals, Eye Hospitals, 36 clinics, 6 Health Promoting Organizations and that CHASL is operational in 12 out of the 13 Districts in Sierra Leone.
He said the ultimate aim is to equip and support Christian Health institutions in the provision of affordable quality and accessible health care services for people in Sierra Leone.
The Executive Director said CHASL is also active in health promotion and drug procurement, training and networking.
The meeting ended with special prayers by the Lunsar Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Richard Kamara who observed that there are lots of fake doctors as well as substandard drugs in the community.
He therefore encouraged CHASL members to be mindful of the consequences of such ungodly practice, adding that they should refrain from it and continue to render service to humanity with honesty and sincerity.
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