Freetown, 2nd April- Sierra Leone’s healthcare system has received a major boost with the commissioning of a new Burns Unit, built by NP (SL) Limited and Leoneoil. The facility stands as one of the most significant private sector contributions to specialized medical care in the country, born out of the painful lessons of the Wellington tanker explosion of November 5, 2021, which claimed dozens of lives and left many with severe burn injuries.
Speaking at the ceremony, NP (SL) Executive Chairman Dr. Mohamed Babatunde Cole said the tragedy exposed the country’s lack of specialized facilities to treat burn victims. “This facility is not just a building,” he declared. “It is a lifeline where lives will be saved, where recovery will begin, and where hope will be restored.”
Dr. Cole emphasized that the Burns Unit reflects a long‑term commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s ability to respond to emergencies. He noted that every Sierra Leonean who buys fuel from NP and Leoneoil stations has indirectly contributed to the project, underscoring the role of customers in driving corporate social responsibility.
NP’s track record of community investment includes the Aberdeen Women’s Clinic, which helped tackle obstetric fistula before being upgraded into a maternity and child healthcare hospital, as well as schools built for the Sierra Leone Police, water facilities for the Fire Force, and rehabilitation of institutions such as Independence Memorial School and Police Primary School.
Government officials, health leaders, and development partners hailed the new Burns Unit as a powerful example of corporate patriotism. They noted that the facility will significantly improve Sierra Leone’s capacity to treat severe burn injuries, reduce reliance on overseas treatment, and enhance national preparedness for medical emergencies.
Dr. Cole reaffirmed NP and Leoneoil’s commitment to continue supporting national development initiatives, describing the Burns Unit as “an investment in Sierra Leone by Sierra Leoneans for Sierra Leoneans.”
