By Prince J. Musa
The Government Hospital in Kenema has received equipment support worth Le100 million from Sierra Leonean philanthropist John Biriwa, who is based in United States. Biriwa said the donation is part of his way to support the government’s effort in providing better health care for its citizens.
The donated items include surgical trays, anesthesia tubes, adult respiratory materials, pediatric supplies, tube feeding sets, blood drawing tube, beds, chairs, surgical drapes, infants feeding tube and blood infusion.
“The health system for the people should not only be left in the hands of the government. All well-meaning citizens abroad and in the country need to come onboard,” he said.
Biriwa has been involved in medical philanthropy since the after the outbreak of the Ebola epidemic of 2014-2016. His latest support to the hospital is part of a series of donations that have already been made to government hospitals in Bo and Kambia.
“Our people are dying from minor illnesses because the health facilities in our hospitals are not too equipped to handle them,” he said.
The lack of medical equipment in government hospitals is a major problem facing the health sector.
The Medical Superintendent of the Kenema Government Hospital, Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, expressed delight over the gesture. He said the supply will help to improve departments like the Surgical emergency wing of the hospital.
“Since I assumed office as Medical Superintendent with my new team, this is the first medical assistance to be received from one of the patriotic philanthropists. This will enhance faster services delivery for the people of this district,” he said.
“Most times, the hospital face shortage of certain materials such as gloves, infection prevention control materials, but this additional instrument will assist various departments such as the surgical unit, minor theater, and pediatric ward, maternity, among others, in their work,” he added.
Equipment is not the only problem the hospital faces, Matron of the hospital Fatmata Haja Jalloh said they need more support to improve the hospital’s infrastructure.
“The hospital lacks canteen and that is causing health workers to go out of the hospital premises in search of food. Also, the facility lacks public toilets; both patients and relatives share the same toilet, which is also spreading some illness either from patients or relatives.” Jalloh explained to Politico.
© 2019 Politico Online
