By Frederick Bilal
Kabala, Koinadugu District 14th August 2026 – The Koinadugu District Council has convened an emergency stakeholders’ meeting following public concern over maternal deaths reported at the Kabala Government Hospital.
Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Mansaray confirmed that six maternal deaths have been recorded in the district since January 2026. He expressed condolences to the affected families and explained that some complicated cases required referral due to shortages of specialised personnel, equipment, and medical supplies. He pledged continued efforts to improve service delivery.
The meeting, chaired by District Council Chairman Lawrence Teteh Kargbo, brought together Paramount Chiefs, hospital management, health authorities, civil society organisations, the media, and the District Budget Oversight Committee. Kargbo stressed that residents’ concerns must be taken seriously and urged stakeholders to learn from the incidents to strengthen preventive measures.
Paramount Chief Gbawuru Mansaray III echoed community concerns raised on Radio Bintumani 93.7 FM, urging a coordinated response to establish facts and identify solutions. Civil society representative Madam Mankie Tejan highlighted shortages of gynaecologists and surgeons, calling for urgent action to strengthen maternal healthcare.
Budget Oversight Committee member Mr. Dipo K. Y. Mansaray raised issues of logistics and resources needed to support effective healthcare delivery. Health authorities reiterated that maternal deaths are treated as serious incidents requiring investigation at community, PHU, and hospital levels.
Priority Areas Identified
Stakeholders outlined several urgent priorities, including recruiting specialised medical personnel, improving referral systems and road access, ensuring essential drugs and supplies, establishing a functional blood bank, getting additional medical equipment and strengthening hospital security.
The meeting also called for improved communication between the hospital and the media to ensure accurate and timely public information.
As part of the meeting’s outcome, community support was mobilised for patients at the hospital. Paramount Chief Mansaray donated a bag of rice and NLe1,000, while the Koinadugu District Women’s Network contributed another bag of rice and NLe1,000. Other donations were also recorded.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained action aimed at strengthening maternal and emergency healthcare services across Koinadugu District.
