Health Ministry Requests NLe 566.8 Million in 2025 Budget
Aaron Parker The Ministry of Health and Sanitation requests NLe 566.8 million in the 2025 fiscal year budget, as it aligns its strategies with the government’s “Big Five” priorities, unveiled during the ongoing budget hearings.
This appeal was made by Dr Tom Sesay, Director of Productive Healthcare, during his presentation at the Ministry of Finance conference room in Freetown.
Dr. Sesay emphasized that the requested budget will support the Ministry’s comprehensive plans for improving healthcare delivery across the nation. These plans include expanding primary healthcare access by increasing the number of Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) from 1,600 to 2,000, strengthening secondary care, and enhancing the Ministry’s capacity to address complex medical needs. He also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to reducing maternal mortality from 443 to 70 per 100,000 live births and cutting infant mortality by half by 2030.
Revenue from user fees at tertiary hospitals, projected to reach NLe 8.04 billion, is expected to bolster the financial sustainability of these facilities. Dr. Sesay assured that the fees, carefully structured to align with affordability thresholds, will enhance the quality and delivery of specialized medical services.
The Health Ministry’s development agenda for 2024-2028 also includes constructing a National Cancer Diagnosis Center and regional hospitals to improve specialized care, supporting dialysis programs, and reducing out-of-pocket healthcare expenses by 10% by 2030. Dr. Sesay affirmed that these initiatives are in line with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2030).
As the Ministry of Health presented its budget, other sectors also outlined their financial needs and challenges for the coming fiscal year, emphasizing their efforts to align with the national development goals.