Freetown 27th July, 2026.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, today unveiled new Starlink satellite internet connectivity for 300 government health facilities across the country marking the beginning of a new digital revolution in the health sector. The symbolic unveiling, which took place at the Julius Maada Bio Pediatric Center of Excellence at Lumley in Freetown, brings to life reliable, high-speed internet capability to government hospitals nationwide, enabling doctors in one part of the country collaborate with colleagues hundreds of miles away seemlessly. The improved connectivity will revolutionize how health workers communicate, enabling access to critical medical information in real time.
For the Minister of Health, this initiative accelerates the country’s transition from paper-based patients record management to a fully digital system. The improved internet connectivity will benefit the Paediatric School of Excellence and its forthcoming counterpart in Kono; facilitating the swift flow of data and knowledge for trainees. “Beyond faster communication, the new internet capability supports easier access to digital health platforms, quicker reporting practices through electronic systems, and expanded opportunities for online training,” Dr. Demby said.
The expected outcome is a more responsive healthcare system, with patients benefiting from better-coordinated care, stronger emergency response, and improved overall health service delivery.