By Joseph Momoh, D.S. Reporter
FREETOWN — Patients in need of chest surgery will receive free treatment at Connaught Hospital next month as the hospital launches a four-day programme of minimally invasive procedures.
Hospital authorities announced that from September 1 to 4, 2026, specialist surgeons will carry out free thoracoscopic surgeries, a modern technique performed through small incisions using video-assisted thoracic surgery, VATS. The method reduces pain, recovery time and risk compared to open chest surgery.
Officials said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to expand access to advanced surgical care in Sierra Leone, especially for patients who cannot afford the high cost of specialized treatment.
The programme will target eligible patients requiring thoracic surgical care. Hospital management urged members of the public to contact Connaught Hospital early for screening, registration and information on eligibility requirements ahead of the exercise.
Hospital Care Manager Dr Ibrahim Mark Kapuwa, who is leading the programme, said the intervention is aimed at strengthening the delivery of specialised healthcare services.
Thoracoscopic surgery is widely used in thoracic surgery to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the lungs and other chest organs. In suitable cases, it can reduce recovery time and minimise surgical trauma compared with open surgery.
The free surgical drive is expected to ease the financial burden on families while demonstrating the hospital’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and introducing more specialized services at the national referral facility.
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