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Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has officially commissioned the newly renovated Mortuary Unit at Connaught Hospital, a development hailed as a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s ongoing healthcare reform.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Thursday, 30th October 2025, brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health, hospital management, and staff, who described the project as a “transformation from despair to dignity.”
“For over two decades, the Connaught Hospital mortuary had not undergone any major upgrade,” said Dr. I. M. Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager.
“The building was dilapidated, the cold rooms worn out, and far beyond their lifespan. Today, that story has changed. The mortuary has been transformed into a modern facility that meets international standards, with new equipment, lighting, and spaces for teaching and training.”
The upgraded mortuary features three new cold rooms with individual compartments to ensure each deceased person is treated with respect and dignity. Enhanced security with CCTV, improved water supply, and better working conditions for staff who have undergone specialized training in customer care are also part of the renovation.
Dr. Mustapha Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, highlighted that the mortuary upgrade is part of a broader three-phase strategy to improve healthcare service delivery at Connaught Hospital.
“Phase two, where we are now, focuses on specialized care, upgrading the mortuary, improving pathology and radiology services, and renovating key departments like the ICU and surgical theatres,” he said.
Minister Demby reflected on the hospital’s transformation over the past few years. “Four or five years ago, Connaught was in crisis; staff were unhappy, patients were uncomfortable, and the environment was chaotic. Today, we are witnessing a new chapter, not only in infrastructure but in professionalism and public confidence,” he said.
He further emphasized that the mortuary upgrade is part of a nationwide effort to modernize healthcare infrastructure, with plans to establish similar facilities across the country. The project also incorporates sustainable solutions, including solar panels capable of powering the hospital with energy equivalent to a 1,200 KVA generator.
The newly commissioned mortuary is expected to serve as a model facility, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring dignity in death.
