The Government of Sierra Leone has secured $4.3 million to accelerate the completion of three tertiary hospitals and begin work on a major oxygen production facility as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
The agreement was formalized on Thursday, May 15, 2026, in Freetown through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Finance Minister Sheku Fantamadi Bangura and Health Minister Austin Demby alongside construction firms and a supervisory consultant overseeing the projects.
According to government officials, the funding will support the completion of the Lumley Government Hospital, Macauley Street Hospital, and Waterloo Government Hospital before the end of the year.
The package will also finance the construction of a modern oxygen production plant in Kerry Town, including a perimeter fence around the site designated for Sierra Leone’s proposed Medical City project.
Authorities say the Kerry Town Medical City is expected to serve as a key pillar in Sierra Leone’s long-term healthcare infrastructure strategy, with plans for a modern specialist hospital, advanced medical facilities, and the country’s first cancer diagnostic centre.
The proposed cancer centre is expected to feature modern diagnostic technology supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency, while a pharmaceutical-grade warehouse will be developed with support from the Government, the Global Fund, and World Vision.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister Bangura said the investment reflects government’s commitment to mobilizing resources toward critical social infrastructure and improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
He noted that strengthening the healthcare sector would help Sierra Leone reduce dependence on foreign medical facilities while improving access to quality healthcare services locally.
Health Minister Dr. Demby described the agreement as a demonstration of strong collaboration between the finance and health ministries, stressing that effective fiscal planning remains essential to achieving timely and world-class healthcare outcomes.
According to him, the accelerated projects are expected to significantly improve tertiary healthcare services and support the country’s broader healthcare transformation agenda.