By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah
The Connaught hospital morgue has today been commissioned, making it accessible to the public since its temporal closure two months ago for a massive renovation.
The newly refurbished morgue which forms part of Sierra Leone’s main referral hospital, Connaught was furnished with state-of- the- art machines and other facilities such as three cold rooms, new refrigerators, administrative offices, training center for mortuary attendants, among others. The postmortem unit was also furnished new equipment.
In his welcome address at the commissioning of the facility on October 30, 2025, the Hospital Care Manager, Connaught Hospital, Dr Mark Kapuwa expressed delight over the new edifice the facility has got, saying “history has been made under the leadership of the Minister of Health, Austin Demby.”
Kapuwa also expressed hope that the new facility would provide dignified care to the dead, recalling the deplorable condition of the facility with antiquated medical equipment and overcrowding before the facelift. However, he said those narratives have changed as the current status of the morgue meets international standards. He expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation for providing the fund for the reconstruction of the mortuary, adding that mortuary staff had already undergone further training for customer care.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Clinicals, Dr Mustapha Kabba explained how the Health Minister had entrusted him and the leadership of Connaught with the task of improving the entire hospital, which paved the way for renovating the mortuary.
He said the dead will be well kept in a conducive environment. The cost for mortuary service, he said will be affordable, noting that mortuary attendants will act professionally.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, noted that there has been transformation in the health sector under the leadership of the minister of health, emphasising “Today as Sierra Leoneans our health is in good hands of the Dr Demby” .
In his keynote address , the Minister of Health, Dr Austin Demby reflected on the challenges that Connaught was faced with, but said there have been several changes which he added have improved health services.
Demby said that Connaught Hospital remained the premium health facility in the country, hence its mortuary needed to bring dignity for the dead. He went on to urge the staff to be professional. He also expressed the need to upgrade other mortuaries across the country.
A staff at the mortuary, Victor Swaray, appreciated the government for upgrading the mortuary, assuring it will provide quality services .
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