Health Ministry fast tracks progress in health care delivery

Concerns have been expressed at an emergency meeting by the Minister of Health and Sanitation, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura to develop a more positive systems and structures that would make the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH) a more viable institution.

The only Obstetrician and Gynecologist in active public service, Dr. Alimamy Koroma of the Bo Government Hospital has been appointed as Medical Superintendent at the PCM Hospital, the country’s main referral tertiary hospital.

Addressing senior staff in the Ministry’s Conference Hall at Youyi Building in Freetown, Mrs. Zainab Hawa Bangura expressed the need for both the PCMH and the Ola During Children’s Hospital to provide effective and efficient quality health care delivery services in complimenting President Ernest Bai Koroma’s free health care Initiative with the ultimate goal of achieving the fourth and fifth millennium development goals.

The transfer of Dr. Alimamy Koroma, the meeting noted, would no doubt improve standards at the PCMH, taking into account his record of achievements and professionalism in the area of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

By virtue of his experience and outstanding performance, the Director of Reproductive and Child Health Programme, Dr. Samuel Kargbo has also been appointed by the Minister to deliver extra services to the PCMH and Ola During Hospital twice weekly.

Part of his work would include ensuring that patients are in good care and that technical guidelines are appropriately implemented. It also includes keeping records of deliveries and the proper management of drugs supplied and utilized.

The Minister also re-emphasized the need to respect and maintain patients’ privacy, confidentiality and dignity.

Mrs. Bangura observed that some senior staff in charge of Wards do not work at night and make internal arrangements on the duty rosters which befits their purposes, stressing that defaulters would now face the necessary sanctions to make the difference.

Four Senior Medical Officers, Dr. Samuel Kargbo, Director of Reproductive and Child Health, Dr. Duramani Conteh, Director of Hospitals and Chief Nursing Officer, Matron Mabel Carew , have been mandated to develop procedures, systems and structures as well as providing the terms of reference for all senior staff in various units to meet the expected standards.

The Minister has also requested Assets Registers for the twenty one Government hospitals to ensure probity and accountability.

She re-emphasized the need for an accurate inventory of all hospital equipment, weekly briefings, and fortnightly reports that would enhance efficiency in every unit of the hospitals.

Friends of Maternity Hospital have also been given the authority and responsibility to monitor, mentor and supervise nursing staff to ensure that the ethics, code of practice and conduct are in line with the nursing profession.

In a related development, the Minister and Senior Staff of the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital have dilated on the problems of coordination, communication, and the Ministry’s Media Management Policy to portray the country’s health care delivery system in a more positive light.