The Indian Community in Sierra Leone yesterday Wednesday 19th August 2020 handed over the newly refurbished accident and emergency ward to officials of the 34 Military Hospital. Speaking to officials of the hospital, the deputy Defence Minister Lt Col. Rtd. Murana Massaquoi, who deputised for his boss, said Defence Minister Brig. Rtd Kelli Conteh, who was unavoidably absent, praised the Indian community for their support to the hospital and said when he got wind of the information that the hospital management wanted to approach the Indian community for support he was happy and optimistic they would definitely support them. The deputy Minister averred that Indians have been very close to Sierra Leoneans and they have always portrayed love for the country by identifying themselves with positive ventures.
“I am not surprised that they accepted to take on this project because since the start of COVID they have been doing their best to show how concerned and how happy they would be to see the back of COVID and a healthy Sierra Leone.” He thanked the community and said his boss and the government are happy with the venture because it is now up to the RSLAF to help soldiers and civilians that would seek emergency treatment there.
Representing the Indian community, Harish Agnani said since the COViD outbreak they have made four donations to NACOVERC, FBC COVID Centre and a charity organisation. He said Indians have been in Sierra Leone for over 125 years and have made Sierra Leone their home, adding they have developed many businesses and have also naturalised, which he said shows how committed they are to the country.
“COVID has changed the way we live our lives, and I want to commend the government for its determination to end this pandemic. Today we are seeing a reduction of cases and the 34 Military Hospital was the first hospital to start treating COVID patients, and they have done it with grit and determination.” Mr Harish Agnani averred that when they were approached by the military officials to do the renovation, they immediately started fund raising and put a budget together.
“It took me a while to get the contractor to do the job as most of them we contacted were afraid thinking that COVID was everywhere in the hospital. But eventually we got a contractor who did a fantastic job, and we had to spend more than what we budgeted for to make sure the ward is fully equipped and up to standard. We spent over Le600 million in this drive and we are happy that we have done a good job for the military and people of Sierra Leone.” Mr Agnani said they will continue to support the facility when and if the need arises as a healthy nation is always a prosperous nation.
The Commanding Officer of Joint Medical Unit (JMU), Col. Stephen Savalie, said that they are happy with the job done as they have increased the beds from three to 15, and have upgraded the furniture and environment to provide patients a healthy condition during treatment. He thanked the Indian community saying they indeed exceeded their expectations, and promised to make good use of the facility. Also present during the handing over ceremony were the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Sullay Sesay; the Joint Force Commander; and other high ranking military officials and staff of the 34 Military Hospital.