The Minister of Health, Austin Demby has encouraged Sierra Leoneans in the diaspora to come home and invest in the health sector. Minister Demby was speaking during the Civic Day Series in United States.
“There are doctors, nurses here and you need to organize yourselves as a unit to be able to build the kind of sophisticated facilities that you see here, so that the same facilities can also be in our country. It might not be your own money but you can bring partners on board to help,” Minister Demby said.
Dr Demby who himself was based in the United States, recognized the contribution of many diasporans. Minister Demby also praised President Bio’s commitment in strengthening the health care system. Sierra Leoneans based in countries like the US travel annually on medical missions to help communities back home.
“The medical missions you do are very important, continue with it to offload some of the burdens on the health care system,” he said. Dr Demby also encouraged them to work closely with the Diaspora Office at the Ministry of Health and coordinate their efforts, so “it could have much more impact”.
Minister Demby took time to explain the transformation that is happening in the health sector back home, from maternal mortality rate drastically dropping to over 70%, to big investments like building hospitals and expanding primary health care units.
““We want to see that all the thousands of pregnant women in Sierra Leone have a health care system that will support them with their own health and the health of their unborn child; from pregnancy till they are senior citizens. The health care system will respond to them and their needs. That’s a radical shift.” ,” Minister Demby said.
With healthcare infrastructure, Minister Demby announced that, later this month, the President will open a brand new hospital in the Eastern district of Kono. Additionally, he also gave a status update on more investment in infrastructure: “We’re building hospitals in Moyamba, Pujehun, Karene and a brand new hospital in Kerry Town.”
The hundreds of Sierra Leoneans who were present at the event in Maryland, were excited about the transformation and showed enthusiasm during the four hour engagement.
In his closing remarks, he said diasporans could be critical in transferring skills and bringing health related investments in the country.
“We are really shifting and changing the health care system. So you, already here in the diaspora, if you want to help, this is your time to help. We are now at a major point in the health care system in the country and you can be a good partner.”
