Colonel Dr. S Sevalie MBChB,MSc,MMed,MPH,LLB,PSC, Commander Defence Medical Services
By Colonel Dr. S Sevalie, Commander Defence Medical Services.
| I |
n just 100 days since assuming office, Major General Amara Idara Bangura, Chief Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces ( RSLAF) , has reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the legacy of excellence set by this mission is the monumental evolution of the Defence Medical Service (DMS) and its flagship institution, the 34 Military hospital (34MH). Which emerged as a symbol of national pride and a blueprint for healthcare transformation Sierra Leone.
FROM VISION TO REALITY
The Rise of 34 Military Hospital The journey of 34MH, formerly a 120-bed facility, to its current status as a 600-bed state-of-the-art hospital reflects the visionary leadership of Sierra Leone’s first Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio working directly with the MoD RSLAF Senior Management. Her unwavering advocacy and strategic oversight catalysed its rapid expansion, defying the bureaucratic inertia that often plagues public infrastructure. Today, 34MH stand as the largest government hospital in the country, offering advanced services such as CT scanning and a fully operational oxygen plant. with plans to launch oncology and gender-based violence units
the hospital is poised to bridge critical gaps in specialized care.
Beyond clinical excellence, 34MH prioritizes holistic wellbeing. Modern amenities—a gym, canteen, Nursing School, and family-friendly spaces— underscore its patient-centered ethos. These innovations, coupled with a modern laundry facility and ample parking, position 34MH as a model for public health infrastructure in West Africa.
THE CDS’S 100-DAY BLUEPRINT
Addressing Gaps, Building
Futures
Under Major General Bangura’s leadership, the DMS has embarked on an ambitious agenda to tackle systemic challenges. Recognizing persistent gaps in endoscopy, dialysis, and orthopaedic care, the CDS has championed public-private partnerships (PPPs) to fast-track the procurement of specialized equipment. His commitment to an electronic medical records (EMR) system marks a revolutionary leap toward operational efficiency, enabling seamless data management and informed clinical decisionmaking. The hospital’s laboratory services have also witnessed transformative growth. Strategic collaborations are paving the way for local production of lab reagents and pharmaceuticals—a move that promises to reduce import dependency, create jobs, and bolster healthcare self-reliance.
GLOBAL SYNERGY, LOCAL IMPACT
International partnerships have been instrumental in 34MH’s ascendancy. Collaborations with India and Cuba are poised to enhance supply chain resilience and knowledge transfer.. The British partnership, solidified through critical visits in 2024 and 2025, has yielded a validated strategy to address capability gaps. China’s decade-long support continues to bear fruit, from infrastructure development to cutting-edge biosecurity labs and educational opportunities for medical personnel.
Looking ahead, the CDS has prioritized medical diplomacy with Egypt’s Armed Forces, aiming to establish joint training programmes and research initiatives. This alliance promises to strengthen bilateral ties while advancing Sierra Leone’s capacity to address global health challenges.
INNOVATION BEYOND MEDICINE
Nutrition and Sustainability Understanding that health extends beyond clinical walls, the CDS has introduced ground-breaking initiatives such as 34MH’s fish farming project. This venture promotes sustainable nutrition for patients and staff while serving as a model for agricultural innovation. Complemented by nutrition education programs, these efforts underscore a holistic approach to national well-being.
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
In just 100 days, Major General Bangura has demonstrated that visionary leadership, coupled with strategic partnerships and local ingenuity, can surmount even the most daunting challenges. The strides made at 34MH—a testament to collaboration between military precision and civilian expertise— reflect a profound commitment to the people of Sierra Leone.
As we celebrate this milestone, we look to the future with renewed optimism. The CDS’s resolve to elevate healthcare standards, foster self-reliance, and cultivate global alliances ensures that 34MH will remain a beacon of hope, resilience, and progress for generations to come.
For a nation we are willing to die for, the best is yet to come.
Copyright –Published in Expo Magazine, March-April 2025 Edition Vol.3, No.3, (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)