Stakeholders discuss Plans to establish Emergency Hospital at Lokomasama

Lokomasama, November, 21 (SLENA) – Plans to establish an Emergency Hospital in the northern district of Port Loko have not only been viewed as a great and timely intervention, but also as a unique opportunity that must be embraced by all well- meaning people. This was deduced from the statements of the stakeholders who were present at the most recent meeting that was particularly summoned to deliberate on the issue.

The meeting, which was held at the office of the Port Loko District Medical, Dr. Tom Sesay, was coordinated by the Resident Minister in charge of the Northern Region, Hon. Alie D Kamara. He said the purpose was for them to finalise and concretise arrangements for the establishment of the Emergency Hospital in that part of the country. He explained how deliberations on the issue had long been on the table, but that the programme was put on hold by the outbreak of the Ebola virus in the country.

He said President Koroma is delighted to see the commencement of the project especially now that the battle against Ebola has been won. The Resident Minister said Port Loko District has been chosen for this Project largely because of its strategic location and encouraged all to make proper use of the opportunity.

In his opening remarks as Chairman for the deliberations, Dr. Tom Sesay said he was very pleased to participate in the final stage of these arrangements. He said the decision to have selected Port Loko district for this project cannot be a mistake, noting that Port Loko is the gateway to this country. He said it is a district that bears a population of over 600, 000, and is undeniably the highest after the capital of Freetown. He expressed optimism that the Emergency Hospital will significantly help to improve the Health sector in the district and the country as a whole.

The Port Loko District Council Chairman, Ahmid Munirr Fofana, the Senior District Officer, Abdul Mansaray and the District Ebola Response Centre Coordinator, Hon. Raymond Kabia, were some of the Key stakeholders that were in attendance.

They buttressed the fact that Port Loko is prominently located and is the district that links the rest of the country to the capital of Freetown. They therefore advised the inclusion of the District Medical Officer or his representative in the Panel of those that would conduct the interview for the recruitment of health workers at the Lokomasama Emergency Hospital

Mr. Ruca Rolla is the Programme Coordinator for the Emergency Hospital in Sierra Leone and doubled as leader of the delegation to these final arrangements.

He highlighted some of the prevailing challenges his Management faces at Lokomasama, and how that might debar his aims and aspirations if a solution could not be developed within the shortest possible time. He made a particular mention of the terrible road condition that leads to the hospital in Lokomasama, the need for both a reliable source of electricity supply and an additional Ambulance for the Hospital.

Both the Resident Minister and the District Council Chairman promised to pick up the issue with the relevant authorities, adding that the concerns were pertinent enough and should be addressed without further delay. The assurance for Community Support was made by Paul Santigie Sesay, Councillors Ahmed Kanu and Abdul Karim Koroma on behalf of the people of Port Loko District.

By Hassan Bruz, Credit SLENA

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