By: Isatu Bai Kamara
The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has intensified efforts to strengthen medical education and training infrastructure, following a high-level inspection of the ongoing construction of a modern Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences facility at the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS).
Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry, visited the project site to assess the progress of construction and determine the remaining works required to bring the facility to completion.
During the inspection, the delegation reviewed completed components of the building and held discussions with the contractors on the status of the project, including the expected timeline for completing outstanding works. The engagement was aimed at ensuring that construction remains on track and that the facility is delivered to the required standards.
The project, estimated at approximately US$3.5 million, is being regarded as a significant investment in Sierra Leone’s medical education system. Once completed and fully operational, the facility is expected to accommodate about 1,500 students, providing additional capacity for teaching, research, practical training and innovation.
The development is part of broader efforts by the Government of Sierra Leone to improve the quality of health-sector education by providing students and lecturers with modern facilities and appropriate learning environments.
The new Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences is expected to play an important role in preparing future doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and other health professionals whose expertise will contribute to the country’s healthcare system.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Demby emphasised the importance of the facility to the country’s long-term health workforce development.
“We will use this facility to train the next generation of health professionals,” Dr. Demby stated.”
The facility is designed with modern infrastructure to support contemporary medical education. Its planned features include advanced laboratories, interactive classrooms and dedicated spaces for research and innovation.
Beyond its physical infrastructure, the project represents an investment in human capital, with the potential to improve the quality of training available to students pursuing careers in the health sector.
The Ministry’s engagement with contractors also underscores the Government’s focus on ensuring that major health and education infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and in line with expected standards.
As Sierra Leone continues to expand its healthcare system, the availability of well-trained health professionals remains critical. The completion of the COMAHS facility is therefore expected to strengthen the country’s capacity to educate and train the next generation of healthcare workers.
With its planned capacity, modern laboratories and research facilities, the new faculty is expected to become an important centre for medical education, scientific research and innovation, supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to build a stronger and more resilient healthcare workforce.