Ministers Sign $4.3M Deal to Complete Hospitals and Kerry Town Oxygen Facility
By Ibrahim Joenal Sesay
232news –
The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a significant step toward transforming the nation’s healthcare system with the securing of $4.3 million to complete several key medical infrastructure projects across the country. The funding, obtained through the joint efforts of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health, will support the completion of the Lumley Government Hospital, Macauley Street Government Hospital, Waterloo Government Hospital, and a modern oxygen production facility in Kerry Town.
In a landmark ceremony held on May 14, 2026, Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura and Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby officially signed agreements with construction firms and project consultants, signaling the government’s determination to ensure that the facilities are completed on schedule and built to high standards. The ministers emphasized accountability, quality assurance, and timely delivery, with all projects expected to be completed before the end of the year.
The initiative comes at a critical time when Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its healthcare capacity following years of challenges, including disease outbreaks, limited infrastructure, and shortages in medical supplies. Once completed, the hospitals in Lumley, Macauley Street, and Waterloo are expected to improve access to healthcare for thousands of citizens by expanding emergency care, maternal health services, surgical capacity, and general medical treatment.
One of the most transformative components of the project is the establishment of a state-of-the-art oxygen production facility in Kerry Town. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of medical oxygen became painfully clear, as hospitals across many developing countries struggled to meet demand. The new facility will help Sierra Leone become more self-reliant in supplying oxygen to hospitals nationwide, reducing dependence on costly imports and improving critical care services for patients suffering from respiratory illnesses and other life-threatening conditions.
The project also includes the construction of a secure perimeter fence around the Kerry Town site, laying the groundwork for an ambitious future development — Sierra Leone’s proposed Medical City. The planned Medical City represents a bold vision for the future of healthcare in the country. It will include a modern specialized hospital equipped with advanced medical technology, Sierra Leone’s first cancer diagnostic center supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency, and a pharmaceutical-grade warehouse funded with support from the Global Fund.
For many Sierra Leoneans, access to specialized treatment such as cancer diagnosis often requires traveling abroad, something few families can afford. The new cancer diagnostic center is expected to significantly improve early detection and treatment opportunities within the country, potentially saving countless lives. Meanwhile, the pharmaceutical warehouse will strengthen the storage and distribution of essential medicines and medical supplies, helping to reduce shortages and improve efficiency within the healthcare system.
Government officials described the investments as more than just construction projects; they are part of a broader national effort to build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of a growing population. Citizens and healthcare workers alike have welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that the completion of these facilities will lead to better healthcare delivery, reduced pressure on existing hospitals, and improved patient outcomes nationwide.
As work begins in earnest, many Sierra Leoneans will be watching closely, hopeful that these developments mark the beginning of a new era in the country’s healthcare journey — one where quality medical care becomes more accessible, modern, and dependable for all.
