The residents of Tabeyama Town in the Barrie Chiefdom, Pujehun District, have raised serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions of their local health center. This facility, vital for the community’s healthcare needs, has been described as inadequate and poorly maintained, posing significant challenges to both residents and healthcare workers.

Town Chief Bockarie Kamara has been vocal about the community’s dissatisfaction. “We are not really happy with the condition of the health center. It has caused us many problems,” Chief Kamara lamented. Despite these challenges, he praised the dedication and hard work of the nurses, particularly the nurse in charge, who continue to provide quality healthcare under difficult circumstances.

Hawa Koroma, a lactating mother from Tabeyama Barrie, shared her distressing experiences regarding the lack of essential amenities at the health center. “There is no proper toilet or water facility,” Koroma explained. The remote location of the center exacerbates these issues, forcing residents to trek back to town for basic needs like water and sanitation, even during emergencies such as labor.

Despite these severe limitations, Koroma commended the nurse in charge for her unwavering commitment to delivering quality healthcare. “Despite the poor conditions, she ensures that we receive good health services, and it’s rare for the center to record maternal deaths. We are grateful for her efforts.”

Miatta Massaquoi, the nurse in charge at the Tabeyama Barrie MCHA, echoed the community’s concerns. “As a health worker, I am not happy with the state of the center. It serves seven communities, yet the building is in poor condition, with no delivery bed, toilet, or drinking water facility,” Massaquoi revealed. She emphasized that despite numerous reports and appeals to the relevant authorities, no action has been taken to address these critical issues.

The residents of Tabeyama Town are now calling on the government and non-governmental organizations to intervene and improve the health center’s facilities. They argue that such improvements are essential to ensure better healthcare services for the entire community. The dire situation at the health center underscores the urgent need for infrastructural development and resource allocation to meet the basic healthcare needs of the people in this region.

The community's appeal highlights a broader issue affecting rural healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone, where inadequate infrastructure and lack of essential services continue to hamper effective healthcare delivery. Addressing these concerns is crucial not only for the well-being of Tabeyama Town residents but also for setting a precedent for improving rural healthcare services across the country.