On Thursday, May 16, 2024, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Planning and Economic Development, chaired by Hon. Peter Yamba Koroma, visited the construction site of the Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE) in Koidu City, Kono District. This visit underscored the committee's commitment to ensuring that the significant investment in this healthcare facility is effectively utilized.

The Maternal Center of Excellence, a state-of-the-art maternal hospital, is being developed through a partnership between the non-governmental organization Partners in Health (PiH) and the Government of Sierra Leone, with an initial investment of $28 million. This substantial project aims to transform maternal healthcare in the region and significantly improve healthcare outcomes for women and children.

Designed to be a comprehensive healthcare facility, the MCOE will feature 166 beds and serve as both a medical center and a training hub for future healthcare professionals. Build Health International, hired by PiH to oversee the construction, employs an innovative model that trains unskilled local workers in various trades, including plumbing, welding, and electrical work. This approach not only advances the hospital's construction but also enhances the skill set of the local workforce, contributing to long-term community development.

During the visit, the Mayor of Koidu City, Komba M. Sam, warmly welcomed the committee members and expressed his gratitude for their oversight role. He emphasized the transformative impact the hospital is expected to have on healthcare accessibility in Kono once it is completed. Mayor Sam highlighted the collaborative efforts that have been essential in advancing this significant project.

Hon. Peter Yamba Koroma, the chair of the committee, outlined the committee’s mandate to ensure that government and donor funds are used effectively to achieve sustainable development goals, such as job creation and poverty reduction. He also emphasized the committee’s role in aligning the work of NGOs and government entities with Sierra Leone’s Medium Term National Development Plan. This alignment is crucial for ensuring that development projects meet the broader goals of national growth and development.

Host Member of Parliament Hon. Musa Fofana praised the collaboration between PiH and the local community. He noted that the project, upon completion, would significantly enhance the region’s healthcare infrastructure and potentially serve as a medical hub in West Africa. This vision reflects the ambitious scope of the project and its potential to set a new standard for healthcare in the region.

Carlos Velazquez, the Program Manager for the project, provided an overview of the hospital’s features and progress. He detailed the advanced medical facilities being included, such as piped oxygen and a 550 kVA transformer. The hospital will also feature a garden, enhancing the environment for patients and staff. The Birthing Center, South Ward, and North Ward are nearing completion, indicating significant progress in the project’s development.

Once operational, the hospital is expected to provide inpatient services to over 5,000 patients annually and create more than 400 jobs, including positions for medical and support staff. This will not only improve healthcare delivery but also contribute to the local economy by providing employment opportunities.

During their site tour, the committee members confirmed the high standards of construction and equipment installation. They also visited Baroma Community, where an advanced medical store is under construction. The committee assured PiH of their support in addressing challenges, such as ensuring the hospital’s connection to the main electricity grid. This support is vital for overcoming logistical hurdles and ensuring the smooth operation of the facility once it is completed.

Overall, the Parliamentary Oversight Committee commended the Maternal Center of Excellence project as a pioneering effort in Sierra Leone’s healthcare development. This commendation reflects the project’s potential to make a lasting impact on maternal and child health in the region. The committee’s visit highlighted the importance of oversight and collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring that large-scale projects like the MCOE are successfully implemented.