By John Turay
Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has identified systemic weaknesses in the management of Free Health Care (FHC) drugs at Kenema Government Hospital, officials said on Tuesday.
The ACC’s Kenema Regional Office presented a thematic review report to the hospital’s leadership, highlighting gaps in drug storage, distribution, and accountability that could undermine service delivery and public trust in the programme.
“This engagement is part of ACC’s proactive approach to addressing corruption risks before they escalate,” said Abiebatu Abu-Mattia, Prevention Officer at the ACC.
ACC Regional Director Hawanatu O. Kamara urged hospital authorities to implement the report’s recommendations, describing them as practical measures to strengthen internal controls and ensure essential medicines reach intended beneficiaries.
Human rights and civil society representatives praised the initiative, noting that access to essential medicines is a fundamental right, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women and children.
The hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr. Abdul Tejan Jalloh, welcomed the report, pledging to review and implement the recommendations to improve drug management and service delivery.
The exercise is part of the ACC’s broader mandate to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Sierra Leone’s public institutions.
