By Amin Kef (Ranger)

Parents and guardians across Sierra Leone are urged to seize a transformative opportunity that promises to change the lives of children in need of medical care. Choithram Memorial Hospital, in partnership with the Bintumani Association, is offering a rare chance for children under fifteen to receive free, expert pediatric surgical treatment. This extraordinary program is set to take place from March 21 to April 4, 2025 and is specifically designed to address a wide range of pediatric conditions.

With registration already underway and only a limited time left before it closes, families are encouraged to act quickly. This life-changing program, led by a team of highly skilled German surgeons, aims to treat children suffering from conditions such as neck fistulas, cysts, soft tissue tumors, hernias, undescended testes, malformations of the urogenital and gastrointestinal tracts and more. These surgeries, often critical for improving quality of life, will be performed at no cost to the families, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who might otherwise struggle to afford such specialized medical care.

Choithram Memorial Hospital has emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the German team has been conducting similar missions in Sierra Leone since 2010. This year's program is focused on providing healthcare access to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that even those who might not otherwise have access to such care are included. Screenings for eligibility have already begun and with a high demand expected, it is essential that parents and guardians act swiftly to secure their children’s participation.

Dr. Gowrinath M. George, Medical Superintendent at Choithram Memorial Hospital, has outlined the process for registration, explaining that screenings are being conducted at various centers to assess which children are eligible for the program. After the screening, a final list of children will be compiled and referred to Choithram Memorial Hospital for the surgeries. However, it’s important to note that certain conditions, including hydrocephalus, myelomeningoceles, clubfoot and cleft lip and palate, will not be addressed in this year’s program.

Since registration opened on February 24, 2025, the response has been overwhelming, reflecting the desperate need for such a service.

Parents and guardians can reach out to the hospital at +232 76541331 or visit the Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown from Monday to Friday for more details and to secure their child’s spot.

Harish Agnani, Chief Administrator of the Choithram Group, reaffirmed the hospital's commitment to providing accessible healthcare services to all Sierra Leoneans. He highlighted that the free pediatric surgical camp is a vital part of Choithram’s ongoing mission to make quality healthcare available to those who need it most.

The success of this initiative is also thanks to the invaluable support of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Dr. M. L. Baryoh, whose efforts were crucial in facilitating the collaboration between the Bintumani Association’s German pediatric team and Choithram Memorial Hospital.

Time is of the essence; this golden opportunity is one that cannot be missed. Parents and guardians are urged to act now to ensure their children receive the life-saving care they deserve. The registration process is ongoing and with only a short time left, now is the moment to take decisive action for a healthier future for Sierra Leone’s children.