By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Directorate of Primary Health Care (DPHC), led by its Director, Dr Brima Osaio Kamara, has conducted a field visit to some of the most remote Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) in the riverine areas of Bonthe District as part of efforts to assess healthcare delivery challenges.
The delegation, which included district health officials and technical personnel—set out from Yargoi in Imperi Chiefdom in the early hours of the day. Their journey reflected the very barriers many residents face when seeking medical care: a combination of boat travel, a five-mile trek on foot, and a final canoe ride to reach isolated settlements.
In Benduma, located in Kwameibaikrim Chiefdom, the team found that healthcare services are being provided from a repurposed school staff quarter due to the absence of a proper health facility. While the arrangement demonstrates local resilience, it raises serious concerns about the quality and safety of care.
A similar situation was observed in Tei, where a deteriorating Community Health Post continues to serve a large population with only two health workers. The limited staffing and poor infrastructure highlight the strain on frontline providers working in underserved areas.
At Benducha Community Health Centre, the impact of a recent fire outbreak remains evident. With the main building destroyed, essential services—including maternal care—are being delivered from a staff residence. The temporary setup, though necessary, presents significant risks, particularly for vulnerable patients.
During the visit, the DPHC team held discussions with community members and local leaders to better understand immediate needs and explore practical solutions. The engagement forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Health to strengthen service delivery at Peripheral Health Units (PHUs), especially in hard-to-reach areas.
A detailed report from the mission, supported by photographic evidence, is expected to guide both immediate response measures and long-term planning at the national level.
The Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the healthcare agenda of the Ministry of Health, aimed at improving access to quality services across the country. The findings from Bonthe serve as a stark reminder that while progress is being made, significant gaps remain—particularly for communities where access to healthcare is still defined by distance, terrain, and limited resources.
As attention turns to next steps, the need for swift and sustained action has never been clearer.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 11th May 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
