A Spanish medical team has arrived in Sierra Leone to carry out more than 200 free surgical operations at the Sierra Leone Police Hospital in Kingtom, Freetown.

The 12th mission by the Surgeons in Action Foundation was welcomed on 11 September by Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu, who praised the group’s ongoing partnership with the Sierra Leone Police.

IGP Sellu said the foundation had made a “significant contribution” to healthcare at the Police Hospital through specialised equipment, professional expertise and free surgeries. He noted that patients from Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries had benefited from previous visits, many of whom would otherwise have been unable to afford specialised care.

The inspector general described the collaboration as an example of effective partnership and confirmed that the visiting team had been certified by the Medical and Dental Council of Sierra Leone to operate in the country. He expressed hope that the relationship would continue, saying it had brought relief to many patients while also helping to train local medical staff.

Dr Nuria Juan, team lead for Surgeons in Action, thanked IGP Sellu and hospital management for their support. She said the foundation valued the partnership and had returned specifically to provide free medical and surgical services to people who face major barriers to specialised treatment.

According to ASP Dr John M. Konteh, verification and screening exercises have already identified patients for the current campaign. Among them are 24 inmates selected through inter-agency collaboration within the security sector. Twelve of those patients have already undergone surgery, with a further 10 scheduled for operations, alongside other beneficiaries from different parts of the country.

Dr Konteh said the mission would deliver “much-needed medical relief” while transferring knowledge and skills to staff at the SLP Hospital.

The Sierra Leone Police said it continued to appreciate the foundation’s sustained humanitarian support in improving access to quality healthcare for police personnel and the wider community.