Connaught Hospital Faces Financial Strains
By Mahamood Fofana
Connaught Hospital, the largest government medical facility and primary referral centre in Freetown, reported significant operational achievements in 2025 despite facing financial constraints. The hospital’s 2025 report revealed a notable increase in patient utilization across its services, reflecting both the growing demand for healthcare and the hospital’s continued efforts to improve service delivery.
According to the report, outpatient department (OPD) attendance rose from 43,300 in 2024 to 59,700 in 2025. The emergency department accounted for 18,000 cases, highlighting the hospital’s heavy trauma burden. Surgery services also experienced growth, with 21,500 admissions compared to 19,800 the previous year. These increases were attributed to enhanced referral systems, community health education, and collaborative programs aimed at improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
Despite these gains, the hospital highlighted ongoing financial challenges. Dr. Mark Ibrahim Kapuwa, the Care Manager, acknowledged the government’s support under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, but stressed that subventions were insufficient and often untimely to cover full operational costs. The report identified high patient volumes, shortages of drugs and medical supplies, infrastructure gaps, staff fatigue, and limited financing for advanced equipment and maintenance as major operational pressures.
In response, hospital management implemented key financial strengthening measures, including improved budget tracking, aligning expenditure with strategic priorities, and increasing internal controls. These measures helped the hospital manage available funding effectively, allowing it to meet substantial service demands despite resource limitations.
The 2025 report characterizes the year as one of consolidation and steady progress. Hospital management expressed optimism that, with sustained leadership, consistent policy support, and targeted investment, Connaught Hospital is poised to continue its transformation into a resilient, patient-centred, and high-performing tertiary institution serving Sierra Leone.
The report underscores the dual realities of rising healthcare demand and limited financial resources, highlighting the need for continuous investment in staffing, infrastructure, and medical supplies to sustain the hospital’s growth and ensure high-quality care for all patients.
