TreatmentcostsatSierra Leone’s main referral hospital, Connaught havedoubled, according to the new pricelist published by Management of the Hospital.
Xray costincreased from Le80,000 to 180,000;hernia operation from Le700,000 toLe1,900,000; appendectomyoperation from Le500,000 to Le1,275,000;dental registration fee from Le15,000 to Le25,000, and extraction of tooth from 150,000 to 200,000 for adult,forsecondary school children from Le50,000 to Le100,000, primary school children from Le20,000 to Le50,000, to name but a few.
The increase in cost of medical services at the Connaught hospital without informing the publichas drawn the attention of many sierra Leoneans and Amnesty International whose director has written a letter requesting a meeting with the Minister of Health Dr Austin Demby to discuss the issue.
Director of Amnesty International Sierra Leone, Solomon Sogbanditold Premier News that, his organisation is concerned about the recent increase in prices for health services at the Connaught hospital.
In his letter to the Minister, the Director said, while they are aware of the global trend of price increase, the release from the Health Ministry with astronomical increase in health servicesdefeat the purpose to enable citizens access quality and affordable health care services.
“The price list displayed at Connaught hospital which is the main referral hospital is a serious concern to our organisation. It should be emphasised that the rights to quality and affordable health care is a fundamental human rights which citizens should enjoy without hindrance,” Sogbandi said.
He further stated that citizens should have access and enjoy their fundamental rights and Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals which points to quality and affordable health care delivery service.
He said the fundamental issue around the increase is whether citizens have been engaged about such increase through the various media outlets.
He further said Amnesty appreciates the efforts of government in supporting the Health Ministry especially the increase in allocation of resources,which should be reflected on improved quality of health services for citizens.
Our investigations revealed that the increment in health services only affects Connaught hospital.
Manager of Connaught hospital Dr.MustaphaKabbadeclined to comment on issue after he was contacted by our reporter at his office at Connaught on three occasions.
The Minister of Heath is scheduled to engage management and staff of the hospital tomorrow on the rise in cost of health services, according to an official who is familiar with the issue.
By Desmond Lewis