Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown has successfully performed 73 free surgeries on children suffering from various medical conditions, following a two-week specialised medical outreach organised in partnership with visiting doctors from Germany.
The initiative, which focused on paediatric and plastic surgery, provided life-changing treatment to children with conditions including hernias, lymphangiomas, blood vessel malformations, urethral abnormalities and other congenital disorders.
Approximately 150 patients were screened during the medical camp, with 73 undergoing surgical procedures at no cost to their families.
Speaking during a media engagement at the hospital’s conference hall in Hill Cot on November 12, 2026, the Head of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Harish Agnani, said the initiative forms part of the hospital’s commitment to making specialised healthcare accessible to vulnerable patients, particularly children whose families cannot afford expensive medical treatment.
Agnani explained that the hospital covered all expenses associated with the procedures, including initial screening, laboratory investigations, medication, surgery and follow-up care.
“All these operations were done free of cost to the patients. From the day screening was done, laboratory tests, medication, operations and follow-up care are all taken care of by Choithram Memorial Hospital,” he stated.
He disclosed that some of the procedures would normally cost between US$1,000 and US$2,000 or more, depending on their complexity, making the free medical intervention particularly significant for the benefiting families.
According to Agnani, the programme allowed children to receive specialised treatment in a modern medical facility without the financial burden that often prevents families from seeking such care.
The hospital’s Superintendent, Dr. Gorinath George, explained that the initiative was made possible through a partnership with a German non-governmental organisation that facilitates the travel and accommodation of visiting medical specialists.
Under the arrangement, Choithram Memorial Hospital provides the medical facilities, equipment and local healthcare support required to carry out the procedures.
“The team is actually from an association in Germany. It is an NGO which has partnered with us to provide free services to people who need them here,” Dr. George explained.
He emphasised that the programme was completely free for beneficiaries, including diagnostic services such as ultrasound scans and X-rays.
“Everything is absolutely free of cost to the patient. Wherever ultrasound or X-ray is required, that is also provided,” he added.
The visiting medical team included paediatric surgeon Dr. Tilman Gresing, anaesthetist Dr. Kathleen Ruiz and nurse anaesthetist Dr. Anca Reviz, who worked closely with local doctors, nurses and theatre staff throughout the outreach.
Providing details of the medical intervention, Dr. Gresing confirmed that the team had completed 73 operations within two weeks, treating children with different medical conditions.
“We have operated on 73 cases, with different diagnoses. These include malformations of blood vessels, lymphangiomas, and a lot of hernias in the abdomen, including inguinal hernias,” he said.
Other procedures involved treating urethral fistulas in boys following circumcision.
Dr. Gresing also commended the hospital’s local medical personnel for their professionalism and dedication, particularly the nurses responsible for preparing patients before surgery and monitoring their recovery.
“The nurses look after the children, prepare them before the operation and take very good care of them afterwards. We have to say thank you to the staff here in the children’s ward,” he stated.
Beyond providing free surgical treatment, the partnership also creates opportunities for local healthcare professionals to strengthen their skills through practical training and knowledge-sharing with the visiting German specialists.
The collaboration is expected to contribute to the development of local medical expertise and improve the hospital’s capacity to provide specialised treatment in the future.
Meanwhile, Choithram Memorial Hospital has announced another free medical outreach programme focusing on cataract surgery.
According to the hospital, the upcoming eye surgery camp is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2027 and continue for approximately two months.
Screening and registration have already commenced, with individuals experiencing eye problems encouraged to visit the hospital for assessment and possible inclusion in the programme.
The successful completion of the 73 paediatric surgeries highlights the importance of international medical partnerships in expanding access to specialised healthcare services in Sierra Leone, particularly for vulnerable families who may otherwise struggle to afford treatment.
