By Forum staff writer
The University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex has marked its 10th anniversary with reflections on a decade of growth in medical training and healthcare delivery across the country.
The milestone event brought together stakeholders to review the institutionβs journey since its establishment in 2016, highlighting key achievements, persistent challenges, and future plans aimed at strengthening Sierra Leoneβs health sector.
Outgoing Chairperson, Dr Sonia Spencer, described the early years as difficult but said the institution has made significant progress over time. She noted that the complex was built from the ground up and has since played a central role in developing local medical expertise.
βFrom scratch, we have trained 30 specialists and five consultants,β she said, adding that the institution has contributed to transforming the countryβs medical landscape.
One of the most notable achievements has been the introduction of neurosurgery services in Sierra Leone. Prior to the establishment of the teaching hospitals complex, the country did not have the capacity to perform such procedures. Today, neurosurgical operations are being carried out at Connaught Hospital, marking a major step forward in specialized healthcare.
This progress has been supported by international partnerships, including collaboration with Mission Brain, which facilitated the training of two Sierra Leonean doctors in neurosurgery in Morocco. Their return has helped to bridge a critical gap in the countryβs healthcare system.
Dr Spencer also pointed to improvements in mental health services. For many years, Sierra Leone had only one trained psychiatrist, Dr Naim, who served at the Kissy Psychiatric Hospital. The situation is gradually changing, with nine doctors currently undergoing specialist training in psychiatry. This effort is expected to significantly expand access to mental health care across the country.
Despite these gains, challenges remain in key areas such as pathology. Sierra Leone currently has only one practicing pathologist, Dr Simeon Owizz Koroma, who provides services to more than 40 hospitals nationwide. His workload underscores the urgent need for more trained professionals in this field.
Efforts are underway to address this gap. Two doctors are currently receiving pathology training within Sierra Leone, while two others are studying in Nigeria. Upon completion of their training, they are expected to return and contribute to building local capacity, including training future specialists.
Dr Spencer commended the government for its continued support to the institution and the broader health sector. She stressed that sustained investment in medical education and infrastructure remains essential to maintaining the progress achieved so far.
She also called on Sierra Leoneans to have greater confidence in the countryβs healthcare system, noting that the number of trained and qualified doctors has increased significantly in recent years.
Health experts at the event emphasized that while the past decade has seen meaningful improvements, continued collaboration, funding, and policy support will be needed to address existing gaps and ensure quality healthcare delivery for all citizens.
The anniversary celebration served not only as a moment of reflection but also as a renewed commitment to advancing medical training and improving health outcomes nationwide
