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In response to growing concerns over the impact of recent power cuts at the Bo Government Hospital, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) has taken immediate action to address the situation and ensure uninterrupted patient care.
In a press release issued on July 24, 2023, the MOHS clarified its stance on the issues affecting patient care due to unstable electricity supply at the hospital.
The Ministry acknowledged that the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) is the primary supplier of electricity to Bo City, including the Bo Government Hospital. To mitigate the effects of power outages, the hospital is equipped with a stand-by generator that automatically activates during such events, ensuring essential clinical areas like the Operating Theatres, Special Care Baby Unit, High Dependency Unit, and Maternity Units remain operational.
To tackle the long-term issue of unreliable electricity supply and to promote sustainable renewable energy, the MOH announced an ambitious plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and development partners.
The initiative aims to solarize seven Government Hospitals nationwide, with Bo Government Hospital being among the top priorities. This step towards solar energy aligns with the “Enhancing Sierra Leone Energy Access Project” (ESLAP) funded by the World Bank, where the Ministry of Energy and UNOPS are actively engaged in providing electricity through PV Solar systems to 200 Primary Health Care Units across the country.
In the interim, the Health Ministry is actively engaging with EDSA to prioritize government hospitals in electricity distribution, preventing future outages. Additionally, efforts are underway to repair or replace the current hospital transformer, which has been out of commission in recent weeks.
The MOH reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to improve healthcare service delivery throughout the nation. Their focus remains on finding effective solutions to challenges that might hinder satisfactory and patient-centered healthcare to the people of Sierra Leone. Ensuring quality patient care is a top priority, and together with the communities, the MOHS aims to equip healthcare facilities to handle any circumstances that may arise.
