Police Headquarters, George Street, Freetown – November 25, 2024 – Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu has authorized a team of surgeons from the Surgeons in Action Foundation, based in Spain, to conduct a series of free surgical procedures in Sierra Leone.
The initiative, sanctioned by the Medical and Dental Council of Sierra Leone, is set to provide services to police officers and community members over the course of one week.
In the days leading up to the program, the surgical team has already performed various procedures on patients who were diagnosed and scheduled for surgery at the Kingtom Police Hospital in Freetown.
During a presentation of the surgical team to IGP Sellu, ASP Dr. John Mumuneh Konteh highlighted that the group consists of surgeons, pediatricians, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other medical specialists.
He also announced that the team is donating a new ventilation machine, valued at several thousand dollars, to the Police Hospital. Although the machine is still at the seaport awaiting clearance, arrangements are in place to ensure its use by the hospital within the week.
Dr. Santiago Garcia Del Valle, an anesthesiologist representing the team, expressed gratitude to IGP Sellu for providing the opportunity to contribute to the improvement of medical services for police personnel and the wider community.
He indicated that the surgery program would span a week, and emphasized the team’s commitment to returning for additional campaigns in the future.
“Our goal is not only to perform surgeries but also to train your medical personnel, equipping them with knowledge to continue our efforts,” said Dr. Del Valle, praising Dr. Konteh for his ongoing communication with the team.
IGP Sellu welcomed the surgical team, acknowledging the Sierra Leone Police’s appreciation for the support from the Surgeons in Action Foundation. He noted that the partnership has significantly enhanced the hospital’s capacity to serve both police officers and community members. “The hospital is now a vital resource for the community, and we have even upgraded it to a teaching hospital to train nurses,” he stated, emphasizing the positive impact of the initiative on public health.
In his remarks, IGP Sellu highlighted the importance of the collaboration: “Your visits provide quality healthcare not only to police personnel but also to members of the public. Our hospitals are deeply integrated into the communities we serve, offering free medical services. The Sierra Leone Police covers all costs for the services we provide.”
Concluding the event, IGP Sellu presented the official letter of authority to Dr. Del Valle, commending the team for their commitment to delivering free medical care. He praised the volunteers’ dedication to improving lives and their vital role in transforming the health landscape in Sierra Leone.
