The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, has launched the country’s biomedical unit in the Directorate of Hospital and Ambulance Services. This unit will now allow for the effective and efficient use and management of complex medical equipment with the end goal of optimizing quality care and patient safety.
The new unit will mainly focus on the installation, calibration and preventative maintenance all aimed at maximizing effective functionality of technological devices in healthcare facilities. The launch is a testament of the government’s desire to not only incorporate technology in health service provision, but also invest in the required human capital with the requisite capabilities to interact with high-end technical devices.
Officially declaring the unit open, Dr. Austin Demby, expressed excitement about the new unit describing it as an initiative that will drive quality of patient care as well as make way for the training of professionals who will understand the technical complexities of modern medical devices.
"By having trained technicians who can competently interact with medical equipment, will lead to improved case diagnosis, treatment and best outcomes of patient experiences in health facilities." Dr. Demby encouraged members to take ownership of the new unit, stressing the relevance of their work within the healthcare ecosystem.
“We want this to be fully integrated in the healthcare structures. I want people in this unit to feel very proud and excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead of them, but also, I want them to feel like they are important members of the team."
Sierra Leone currently boasts of 30 hospitals and 1,198 peripheral health units (PHUs) spread across all sixteen districts in the country. Communities have an incredible amount of access to health facilities with each living within just 5 kilometer radius from a health center. This represents an impressive 80% or more access. But, the challenge still remains with quality. That is why the government, through the ministry of health, remains very deliberate about investing in education and training as well as in technological innovation and research.
Comentarios