By Yusufu S. Bangura
Doctor Bah, Pharmacist Mullah receiving medical supplies from NSMA director
The Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH), Ola During Children’s hospital last Friday received two trucks of medical equipment from the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) in order to strengthen medical system in the country.
Speaking to pressmen and beneficiaries, Robert Dixson, NMSA Director said he feels happy to see pregnant women and suckling mothers at the event since they are the beneficiaries of the free health care initiative.
He said the event is a remarkable one because NMSA has been given the mandated by government to procure, warehouse, and distribute medical drugs and supplies which are specifically meant for pregnant women, children under five, and other vulnerable individuals.
“Today, we are here to fulfill part of that mandate by conducting the distribution of medical supplies for the first quarter. This follows our regular schedule of distributing essential drugs four times a year to all government hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country. Our goal is to ensure that everyone, including children and pregnant women, has access to proper healthcare,” he said.
He told beneficiaries that the drugs are entirely free of charge, therefore no one should pay a single cent for them, If anyone requests payment, please report them to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), NMSA, or the hospital authorities. “We emphasize that no one should be charged for these essential medicines”
“This morning, we are handing over a truckload of drugs to PCMH and Ola During Childre’s hospital. We deeply appreciate the support of the government and our development partners for providing the necessary funds and resources to make this possible,” he said.
He urged everyone, especially healthcare authorities, to ensure that these medical supplies reach the intended beneficiaries without any mismanagement or diversion. Transparency and accountability are key to making sure that these resources serve their rightful purpose.
“Let us all work together to ensure that these medical supplies benefit those in need,” he ended.
Doctor Abubakarr B Bah, Medical Superintendent Ola During Children’s hospital, thanked NMSA and the the government for supporting them with the necessary medicines they need to care patients visiting their medical facilities.
In terms of implementation doctor Bah said they go beyond the Free Healthcare Initiative as they even provide free medication for orphaned children who are not technically included in the program and they did not impose any limitations.
“We treat patients regardless of their nationality because our priority is saving lives. Currently, we are overwhelmed with patients. If you visit our emergency room right now, you will see a large number of patients, some of whom have been referred from other facilities that should be providing free healthcare,” he stated.
He underscored that the reason patients visit the hospital is because they have the necessary expertise and a reliable supply of medications.
Zainab Mullah, Pharmacist, PCMH also thanked NMSA and the government stating that PCMH received numerous cases from different parts of the country, as well as from neighboring countries like Guinea.
She said they fully understand the impact of medication in healthcare because without proper medication, they cannot effectively treat their patients. A doctor may prescribe treatment for a sick child, but without medicine, the prescription is meaningless.
She continued that even though they face some challenges at times, having access to essential and emergency medications is crucial, so if the government can provide more molecular-level support, it will greatly benefit healthcare facilities.
“We would like to thank the Government of Sierra Leone and all the donors who supply these medications. Sustaining healthcare services is expensive, especially in terms of finances. Without donor support, the Ministry of Health and its leadership would struggle to maintain regular supplies. We sincerely appreciate NMSA for the consistent provision of medical supplies. Your support to healthcare facilities is invaluable, and we are truly grateful,” she ended.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries Umu Barrie a suckling mother thanked NMSA and donors for supporting them, stating that she has not yet paid for any medicine since she was admitted in the hospital.
“As beneficiaries, we understand the importance of these supplies. We rely on healthcare providers, government, and the necessary medical supplies to support those in need,” she said.
