Freetown, Sierra Leone – The Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, has welcomed the 12th batch of the Surgeons in Action Foundation to Sierra Leone, expressing profound appreciation for the Foundation’s continued medical interventions and partnership with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).
Welcoming the visiting team, IGP Sellu commended the Surgeons in Action Foundation for its timely and impactful interventions, noting that the organisation has made a significant contribution to improving healthcare delivery at the SLP Hospital through the provision of specialised medical equipment, professional expertise and free surgical services.
The IGP recalled the Foundation’s previous visit to Sierra Leone, during which patients from Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries benefited from free surgical operations.
He noted that many people closely follow the Foundation’s activities because of the life-changing medical services it provides, particularly to individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford specialised surgical care.
IGP Sellu expressed the hope that the partnership would continue, emphasising that the Foundation’s interventions have brought significant relief to many beneficiaries while also contributing to the professional development and capacity-building of medical personnel at the SLP Hospital.
He described the partnership as a strong example of effective collaboration and welcomed the fact that the visiting medical team had been certified by the Medical and Dental Council of Sierra Leone to conduct surgical operations in the country.
The IGP extended a warm welcome to the visiting medical team and wished them a successful and productive stay in Freetown.
The Team Lead of the Surgeons in Action Foundation, Dr Nuria Juan, expressed profound appreciation to IGP Sellu and the management of the SLP Hospital for their continued commitment and dedication to the partnership.
Dr Juan said the Foundation greatly valued its collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police and remained committed to supporting the SLP Hospital.
She explained that the team had returned to Sierra Leone to provide free medical and surgical services to patients who would otherwise face significant challenges in accessing specialised healthcare.
According to ASP Dr John M. Konteh, the visiting medical team is expected to perform more than 200 free surgical operations during the current campaign.
He explained that verification and screening exercises had already been conducted, resulting in the identification of 24 inmates who are expected to benefit from the free surgical operations as part of inter-agency collaboration within the security sector. Of these, 12 patients have successfully undergone surgery, while a further 10 are scheduled to undergo operations this morning, alongside other beneficiaries from different parts of the country.
ASP Dr Konteh said the initiative would provide much-needed medical relief to beneficiaries while further strengthening the professional capacity of staff at the SLP Hospital through the transfer of knowledge and skills.
The Sierra Leone Police continues to appreciate the Surgeons in Action Foundation for its sustained humanitarian support and invaluable partnership in improving access to quality healthcare for police personnel and members of the wider community.
SLP Media Team
