Goderich Community Health Centre Reopens with Expanded Maternity and Inpatient Capacity

The rehabilitated Goderich Community Health Centre in Freetown has officially reopened with expanded inpatient and maternity services, a new under-five unit, laboratory equipment, improved water storage and solar-power backup.

The facility was reopened on September 14, 2026, by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Bank, according to a report from the Ministry. It serves communities in Goderich and Oba Funkia.

The centre’s inpatient capacity has increased from five beds to 20. Its delivery area has also expanded from one bed to six, with the Ministry reporting that the additional capacity can support up to 200 births per month.

A new under-five unit has been added to the facility, while a modern laboratory now has equipment for blood and imaging tests. The Ministry report presents these additions as part of the rehabilitation works at the health centre.

The project also included a 20,000-litre water tank and a 20 KVA clean solar-energy system to provide backup to the national electricity grid. The Ministry’s report said the improvements address challenges previously faced by the facility, including power interruptions affecting vaccine storage and nighttime deliveries.

Before the rehabilitation, families in Goderich and Oba Funkia reportedly faced long waits and sometimes had to travel across town when the community health centre could not meet demand.

Speaking during the commissioning, Health Minister Dr. Austin Demby said, “No woman should give birth at home when a facility like this is right at your doorstep.”

He also asked health workers to care for the new equipment “as if it were your own” and called on the community to protect the facility and use it wisely.

The Ministry report did not identify the other development partners or ministry officials involved by name. It also did not provide a separate publication date.