By Nasratu Kargbo
Member of Parliament representing Western Area Urban, Mahmoud Kamara has urged the Government to complete a hundred-bed Lumley Government Hospital which he claimed had been abandoned.
The MP made this call on the 22nd of November 2024, whilst debating the bill entitled Appropriation Act 2024. He called on the government to include the hospital as part of the projects they seek to complete in 2024.
Kamara explained that the former regime had nearly ended the construction of the hospital before the country had a change of government, with only the placing of windows and furniture remaining, adding that the current regime stopped the project with the promise of starting a fresh project.
The MP said that the unfinished structure which is located in Lumley could have been of great help to the people of that community and the country in general. He commended the government for initiating a new project which is the construction of a pediatric hospital, but emphasized the need for a general hospital as well.
After the debate, when asked what the fate of the hospital is, Kamara said he will ensure that he investigates to see what the committee on health in parliament can do about it.
“They have pointed out that in 2024 they will try to complete the Pediatric hospital, which was why I communicated that they include the hundred-bed hospital. Both hospitals will help cushion the burden to access health care in Lumley Community”, the MP said.
Responding to why he thinks the hospital was abandoned, Kamara said he could not tell, stating that the project started with the Kingharman Road Hospital which has been completed, adding “That is why I will have to dig further to know what led to putting the project on halt saying they intend to start a fresh project”.
He explained that residents in the community are faced with difficulties in accessing a health facility, saying that for the past five years the hospital there has changed four different locations.
The government through the budget stated they intend to improve healthcare services in the country, including the completion of the Pediatric Hospital.
Copyright (c) 2023 Politico (24/11/23)
