Dr. Austin Demby Outlines Ambitious Vision for Sierra Leone’s Healthcare System

By Sahr Ibrahim Komba

(232news) –

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has strongly defended his ministry’s performance, presenting a comprehensive account of reforms, achievements, and ongoing challenges in the country’s health sector.

Speaking at a press engagement, Dr. Demby presented an ambitious transformation agenda aimed at delivering universal health coverage and strengthening healthcare systems nationwide.

“The Ministry of Health is a service institution,” Dr. Demby said. “Our responsibility is to provide quality healthcare to every citizen and ensure that no one is left behind.”

In a reflective tone, Dr. Demby underscored his personal commitment to national service, revealing that he left a distinguished international career to return home.

“I worked for over 40 years at the highest levels of global health, including with the United States Government,” he stated. “I did not come back to make money, I came back to serve my country.”

His return, he noted, was driven by a desire to apply global expertise to rebuild Sierra Leone’s healthcare system.

Addressing audit queries from 2024, Dr. Demby clarified that his ministry spent much of 2025 resolving those issues, while emphasizing that formal responses must be presented through Parliament.

“We are not avoiding accountability,” he said. “There is a process, and we are committed to following it while also engaging the public transparently.”

At the heart of Dr. Demby’s leadership is a firm commitment to universal health coverage ensuring equitable access to healthcare services across the country.

He stressed that the Ministry’s strategy goes beyond policy statements, focusing on practical interventions that improve lives.

Under Dr. Demby’s leadership, the Ministry has recorded notable progress:

• Vaccination Success: Sierra Leone now ranks among countries with consistently high vaccination coverage in Africa.
• Reduced Mortality: Significant improvements have been recorded in key health indicators.
• Oxygen Revolution: Hospitals nationwide are now equipped with oxygen plants supplying intensive care units, a major shift from previous dependence on external sources.

Dr. Demby highlighted a bold transition toward solar energy, aimed at reducing costs and ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

“Over 380 facilities are now energy-independent,” he said, adding that the goal is to expand to 2,000 facilities by 2031.

A major pillar of Dr. Demby’s reform agenda is human resource development.

He revealed that the number of graduating doctors has tripled from 30 annually to 90 with projections rising to 250 and beyond.

Additionally, specialist training programs are now being conducted locally under West African accreditation, reducing reliance on overseas training and improving retention rates.

“We are building capacity here at home,” he emphasized.

Dr. Demby also pointed to major investments in health infrastructure, including new hospitals and upgraded facilities across multiple districts.

Among the highlights are:

• A new 100-bed hospital in Moyamba
• Upgraded hospitals in Kono and other regions
• A pediatric centre of excellence in Freetown

He further announced the installation of advanced diagnostic equipment, including a 128-slice CT scanner in a public hospital, one of the most sophisticated in the country.

Dr. Demby criticized the previous approach to ambulance distribution, describing it as ineffective.

“An ambulance is not just a vehicle it is a system,” he said.

He outlined plans for a coordinated national ambulance service, complete with trained personnel, equipped vehicles, and integrated communication systems.

On the issue of unpaid or volunteer health workers, Dr. Demby was unequivocal.

“It is not sustainable for people to volunteer for months or years,” he said, noting ongoing efforts to regularize staffing and ensure proper payroll integration.

Despite acknowledging challenges, Dr. Demby expressed confidence in the Ministry’s direction and reform agenda.

“We have a clear plan and a clear agenda,” he concluded. “We are building a healthcare system that will serve Sierra Leone now and into the future.”

He called on the media and the public to engage constructively, stressing that transparency and collaboration remain essential to achieving lasting healthcare transformation.