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The Defence Medical Services (DMS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) officially received ten orthopedic beds from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China on Wednesday, 25 March 2025.
The donation ceremony, held at the 34 Military Hospital in Wilberforce Barracks, marks a new chapter in the ongoing partnership between Sierra Leone and China.
Colonel Dr. G Luseni, Deputy Commandant of the Defence Medical Services, welcomed attendees on behalf of the DMS Commandant. He shared that the 34 Military Hospital is responsible for providing medical care to RSLAF personnel and the wider Wilberforce community, a responsibility they are prepared to meet.
“About two weeks ago, the DMS organized an orientation ceremony for their Chinese medical colleagues from the People’s Republic of China,” he added, noting that the two parties work together to ensure proper medical services are provided.
Colonel Luseni noted the donation of the ten orthopedic beds was timely and will be used properly. “We will utilize the items donated for the right purpose,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and the People’s Liberation Army for their ongoing support to the RSLAF in terms of technical assistance, infrastructure, medical care, and hospital equipment.
The 34 Military Hospital is undergoing an expansion, increasing from a 150-bed to a 600-bed facility. “The RSLAF needed such support as they will be moving from level 2 Hospital to Level 3,” Colonel Luseni pointed out. He also thanked Major General AI Bangura, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the RSLAF, for his continued support during the past four months.
Senior Colonel PU Lin, the Chinese Defence Attaché, reflected on the strong partnership between China and Sierra Leone. “China and Sierra Leone cooperation has always been cordial,” he said. He also mentioned the ongoing work between the Chinese Military Medical Expert Group and the 34 Military Hospital to enhance services for the RSLAF and Sierra Leone’s people. Senior Colonel Lin concluded by officially donating the ten orthopedic beds on behalf of the Chinese Embassy.
Major General AI Bangura, the Chief of Defence Staff of the RSLAF, expressed his gratitude for the donation. He connected the gift to the vision of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio. “The 34 Military Hospital must be a center for our Nation’s stability simply because health care brings stability,” Major General Bangura remarked. “We should develop a health care facility that would not only cater for the RSLAF but for the Nation.”
He encouraged the hospital staff to pursue the vision of the President. “I want to see 34 Military Hospital as the first point of contact in terms of health care delivering in Sierra Leone,” the Chief Defence Staff stated.
Colonel Dr. Nabieu, delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the Defence Medical Services, expressed sincere appreciation to the Chinese government for the donation of the orthopedic beds. He also thanked Major General AI Bangura for his ongoing support and commended all staff members for their hard work. “As it is the first set of equipment donated to the Orthopedic Department of the 34 Military Hospital, this donation is highly valuable,” Colonel Dr. Nabieu added.
This donation is part of the growing partnership between China and Sierra Leone, further enhancing the medical capabilities of the RSLAF and improving healthcare for the people of Sierra Leone.
