Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Minister of Health and Sanitation, Dr. Austin Demby, has held high-level discussions with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Ali Ibrahim Alheji, to review the progress of a groundbreaking $50 million healthcare initiative aimed at transforming the nation’s health infrastructure.
The partnership, facilitated through the Saudi Fund for Development, involves a major loan to construct a state-of-the-art hospital on a sprawling 300-acre site in Kerry Town. The facility will serve as the cornerstone of an ambitious medical city envisioned by the Ministry of Health, designed to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.
The proposed medical city will include Sierra Leone’s first-ever cancer diagnostic center, equipped with cutting-edge technology through support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Additionally, the city will house a pharma-grade warehouse funded by the Global Fund and an oxygen manufacturing plant to boost the country’s medical supply chain.
Minister Demby highlighted the transformative potential of the project, which is strategically located to serve approximately 1.5 million people.
“This hospital will not only provide critical healthcare services but also position Kerry Town as a hub for medical excellence in the region,” he said.
The minister also confirmed that the loan agreement has been ratified by Parliament, signaling the government’s readiness to commence construction.
Ambassador Alheji welcomed this progress and assured that Saudi Arabia is prepared to release the initial tranche of funding once the necessary documentation is finalized.
To expedite the project, Minister Demby pledged to promptly deliver the required documents through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He also proposed a coordinated call among all stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and alignment on expectations.
This partnership reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening its healthcare system through strategic international collaborations.
