By Francis H. Murray
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has with immediate effect suspended the services of the Consultant Pathologist at the Mortuary department of Connaught Government Hospital Dr. Simeon Owizz Koroma.
His suspension according to a letter from the ministry dated 11th March 2021, comes amid serious criticism with the way the department has been run over the period in light of deteriorating situation at the mortuary resulting to poor service delivery.
“As you are aware, the upkeep of the mortuary and services provided has recently come under serious scrutiny and criticism mainly due to the chaotic nature of how services at the mortuary have been handled over the period. Amidst all government supports and efforts to improve service delivery, the situation at the Mortuary continue to deteriorate,’’ the letter reads.
The letter further noted that the most recent of such appalling situations in the management of the mortuary was the recent breakdown of its entire cooling system which left bodies littered all over the mortuary parlor with 40 destitute bodies kept in the sis-functional refrigerated container decayed.
The ministry also alleges to have invited Dr. Koroma to a discussion meeting with the Minister so as to get him provide what they referred to as “useful information” on the situation at the mortuary as well as to map out the way forward but he “deliberately” refused to honour the said invitation with no reasons given for his refusal.
“Your action shows complete disrespect for authority and can be interpreted as insubordination and none recognition of the authority of the Minister. Such behavior is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated,’’ the letter further states, adding that “in view of the above, your contract as a consultant Pathologist at the Mortuary Department, Connaught Hospital and any other government is hereby suspended.’’
The decision, the ministry authorities say will allow it move forward with its agenda to reform service delivery in the health sector especially mortuary services across the country which include working with other partners in training more young Sierra Leoneans in the area of histopathology.
He’s been requested to hand over all government properties in his possession including office tools and other equipment to the hospital Secretary under the supervision of the Director of Internal Audit and his team.
Dr. Koroma had retired from active service before he was contracted by the government to render medical assistance to the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC) as well as in conducting all autopsies across the country.
He’s served as the country’s only pathologist for over 25 years and has been performing all autopsies on homicide reported cases to determine their cause of death as well as to give evidence in court where necessary until recently when the government hired the services of two pathologists from Nigeria.
Dr. Koroma declined to comment on the issue when reached by Politico saying that he had been cautioned by the Internal Affairs Minister not to do so. He however described the incident as “very sad and disappointing” for the country.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online 15/03/21
