Many residents of Koinadugu District benefited from the Japan funded project, “Strengthening Sierra Leonean National Health Capacity through Diaspora Engagement”. On 9 November 2017 a group of residents gathered and noted how the project improved access to health care services in the District.
They expressed gratitude to the diaspora medics for delivering exceptional free medical treatments including major and minor surgery to people who are in dire need of these services.
“I am happy that the diaspora health care workers are here to offer us this gesture, because I wouldn’t have even attempted to come to the Hospital since I couldn’t afford to pay medical bills,” said Adama Sow, a beneficiary of the project. She also noted that the diaspora free health care programme is necessary and is impacting the lives of so many people in both Koinadugu and Falaba Districts.
Paramount Chief Gbawuru Mansaray III of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom in Koinadugu District said, “We really appreciate the efforts of the diaspora medical professionals. Many of our people know their health problems but can’t afford to pay for medical services.
“When we started work in Kabala Government Hospital, people came from the surrounding villages, and all over Koinadugu District to benefit from our free medical treatments. And within a short period, we carried out a lot of successful surgical procedures/treatments,” said Dr. Bangura from U.S.
Dr. Charles Senessi, a Physician, WHO Consultant, an experienced Sierra Leonean diaspora medical professional from Switzerland said they are in Sierra Leone not only to provide health care services but to transfer skills to the locals; thereby narrowing the knowledge gap. “Our colleagues in the diaspora are willing to come and we will definitely reach out to them”.
The Director of ODA, Dr. Kallay Musa Conteh, said the contribution of the Sierra Leonean diaspora community to the country’s development cannot be overemphasized. “Diaspora contributions range from remittances to skills transfer, and the work of the diaspora health experts in Koinadugu District is a clear testament of how diasporans are contributing to nation building,” Dr. Conteh stated.
Meanwhile, the diaspora medical personnel who were in the country recently for a short medical mission under the MIDA Health Care program have completed their assignment in providing free medical treatments in the areas of mental health, dental, internal medicine, gynecological and pediatric cases for about 150 patients, (89 Surgical patients, 45 outpatients, 48 dental care).
The Project Coordinator of the Diaspora Health Care Project, Akao Kunikazu, assured the continued support of the Japanese Government to bring more diaspora medical professionals to Koinadugu and Falaba Districts. AT/13/11/17
Tuesday November 14, 2017.
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