Port Loko Regional Hospital marked a significant milestone in its journey of healthcare transformation on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, as it formally opened its newly refurbished Outpatients Department (OPD) and unveiled a comprehensive service charter. The well-attended event brought together key community and institutional stakeholders, including the Regent Chief and Speaker of Bakeh Loko Chiefdom, civil society representatives, religious leaders, the Local Unit Commander of Port Loko Police Station, senior health officials, and representatives from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) from both the northwest and northeast regions. The ceremony, chaired by the Port Loko District Medical Officer, Dr. John Fallah Yillia served as a platform to recognize the collaborative efforts that led to this healthcare advancement.
Dr. Yillia opened the event by commending the hospital’s leadership under the Medical Superintendent, Dr. Yusuf Sheku Tejan, for achieving such a notable development despite constrained resources. He emphasized the importance of continued teamwork among staff and stakeholders to sustain progress and deliver quality healthcare services. Regent Chief Mr. Foday Santigie Kanu welcomed all attendees and expressed his appreciation on behalf of Bakeh Loko Chiefdom, lauding the management for their dedication and initiative. Mr. Malapy M. A Tarawallie, Speaker of the Chiefdom, also expressed satisfaction, noting that the hospital’s transformation reflects the standard befitting a regional facility.
Adding a civil society perspective, Madam Lovetta I. Sesay, District Coordinator Health for All Coalition, underscored the value of the newly introduced service charter. She pointed out that civil society acts as the “voice of the voiceless” and highlighted that past concerns around exorbitant service fees might now be addressed through the charter’s transparency provisions. Similarly, the ACC’s involvement was recognized as pivotal. Former Northwest ACC Director and current Northeast Regional Director, Madam Fatu Florence Kamara, welcomed the adoption of the service charter, referencing it as a long-standing recommendation during prior ACC engagements. She applauded the hospital management for adhering to the commission’s guidance while also acknowledging her successor, Madam Zainab Othman, for ensuring continuity.
Dr. Yusuf Sheku Tejan, the Medical Superintendent, expressed deep gratitude to his team, whose commitment he credited for achieving the OPD refurbishment and drafting of the service charter He acknowledged the Northwest ACC for their technical guidance, noting that the transformation was entirely funded through hospital revenues. Dr. Tejan explained that the new OPD facility now includes five consultation rooms for doctors and Community Health Technicians, a records office, and a research unit. Enhancements for patient comfort were also highlighted, such as air-conditioning and the installation of DSTV in the waiting area, reflecting a commitment to both medical service quality and patient experience.
Delivering the keynote address, newly transferred Northwest ACC Director Madam Zainab Othman declared the ceremony a testament to transparency and accountability in public service. She commended the hospital’s administration for setting a positive example in service delivery and governance, stating that such initiatives reflect the ACC’s broader mission. She reaffirmed the Commission’s ongoing support in ensuring that hospitals and other public institutions adhere to ethical and professional standards. The event concluded with Matron Marvel Ghombo leading the symbolic ribbon-cutting and formal unveiling of the service charter, in a tour joined by all dignitaries, signaling a new era of trust, partnership, and quality service delivery at Port Loko Regional Hospital.
