By Emma Black
The Sierra Leone police (SLP) 12 June 2025, has taken a major stride toward improving the welfare of its personnel with the commissioning of a new health centre at the Koindu police division in Kailahun District, the newly established facility is expected to deliver prompt and quality medical attention to police officers as well as members of the surrounding communities, reinforcing the SLP’s dual role in internal security and public service.
The initiative is part of a broader push by Inspector general of police William Fayia Sellu to enhance the welfare of police officers by improving healthcare infrastructure across the country particularly in remote and underserved divisions outside the main regional headquarters, under his leadership, divisional heads have been instructed to identify or repurpose structures suitable for conversion into medical centres, ensuring officers and the people they serve have better access to healthcare.
Superintendent James Koroma, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Koindu Division, responded swiftly to the directive by transforming an existing structure within the division into a functioning health center, the facility is now fully operational, equipped with basic medical supplies and staffed by trained healthcare professionals.
This is a significant achievement for our division, said Superintendent Koroma. Having an on-site health center means our officers can receive immediate care when needed and our surrounding communities now have another critical resource to turn to in emergencies.
The Koindu police health centre is expected to handle a range of medical services including first aid, general check-ups, minor treatments, and regular outreach to officers stationed in remote locations, this aligns with the Inspector general’s vision of a modern, responsive, and community focused police force.
Since taking office, Mr. Sellu has made police health and welfare a top priority. New facilities have been opened in Mattru Jong (Bonthe District), Lungi, and Motema, with Koindu being the latest addition. Simultaneously, significant investments have been made in upgrading the Kingtom police hospital in Freetown, where blood testing is now conducted on-site and 95% of medical clearances for mission deployment are handled internally improving efficiency and reducing delays.
The Koindu project demonstrates how decentralisation of essential services within the force can strengthen both internal capacity and community relations. Residents of Koindu have welcomed the development, expressing appreciation that the police health service will also be open to civilians in emergency situations.
This health centre will save lives not just those of police officers, but ours as well, said Mariama Kallon, a local trader, we are grateful for this support.
The establishment of the health centre in Koindu is part of the SLP’s larger transformation strategy, which includes professional development, improved logistics, and better service delivery standards, the move is also aligned with international policing norms that recognise health and well-being as key components of law enforcement effectiveness.
As security challenges continue to evolve, the Sierra Leone Police’s proactive investment in officer welfare and community service through initiatives like the Koindu health centre is a clear signal of the institution’s commitment to serving with integrity, compassion, and professionalism.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Monday, June 16TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
