By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A fire outbreak in the early hours of Friday has severely damaged the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at the Makeni Regional Government Hospital, raising major concerns about the continuity of neonatal services for vulnerable newborns in the region.
Though no human casualties were reported, the fire caused extensive damage to the facility, which plays a vital role in providing critical care to premature and critically ill infants, including those requiring oxygen therapy and other specialized support. The cause of the blaze is yet to be officially confirmed, but initial reports indicate that swift evacuation procedures may have prevented what could have been a tragic loss of life.
The SCBU serves as a lifeline for babies born with complications and is considered a cornerstone of neonatal care in the northern region. Its temporary closure due to the fire has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community and left families concerned about the availability of specialized services.
In a prompt and coordinated response, the Ministry of Health (MoH) dispatched a team of high-ranking officials to the scene. The team was led by Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer in charge of Clinical Services, and the Director of Hospital and Ambulance Services. Their mission was to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate emergency relief efforts to restore essential neonatal care services.
The Ministry of Health immediately activated its emergency response protocols and began engaging national and international health partners to explore collaborative solutions. Within hours of the incident, MoH announced a temporary relocation plan for neonatal services to the Holy Spirit Hospital in Makeni to ensure that babies in need of urgent care can still receive treatment.
Additionally, the Ministry confirmed that a makeshift SCBU will be established within the Makeni Regional Hospital premises in the next 48 hours. This temporary unit will serve as an interim solution for newborns requiring specialized care while long-term rebuilding and restoration efforts are planned.
In a public statement, the Ministry expressed its gratitude to the healthcare workers who acted quickly to manage the situation, and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high standards of emergency health care. “We are doing everything within our capacity to restore services swiftly and safely,” said a senior MoH official. “This incident has highlighted the need for even stronger preparedness and resilience across all our health facilities.”
The Ministry also emphasized that this event underscores the urgency of strengthening emergency preparedness across regional health centers. Plans are now in motion to reinforce fire safety infrastructure, improve emergency response protocols, and equip healthcare workers with the tools and training needed to respond effectively to future crises.
Parents and caregivers in Makeni and the surrounding areas have expressed a mixture of relief that no lives were lost, and concern about the temporary disruption of services. Community leaders have called on the government and health development partners to provide urgent support to rebuild the unit and ensure that newborn care is not compromised.
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, efforts are being focused on rapid service restoration, long-term reconstruction, and policy reforms aimed at preventing future occurrences. The Ministry of Health has reassured the public that safeguarding the health of newborns remains a top national priority.
