By Komba Fillie
In a significant boost to emergency medical preparedness, the Pingkang Stomatological University in Sierra Leone has completed a comprehensive training program conducted by the Chinese Medical Team. The program, hailed as a first for the institution, focused on critical life-saving techniques, including CPR.
Dr. Liu Jinjun, Board Chairman of the University, emphasized the training’s importance. “Previously, the lack of such training made responding to emergencies difficult,” he stated. “This will now help us save more lives.” The session involved 15 clinic nurses and 60 students. Dr. Jinjun further announced ambitious plans to procure adequate medical equipment and materials, revealing an intended investment of half a billion RMB. A key part of their strategy includes deepening cooperation with the Chinese Hospital at Jui to implement the newly acquired skills.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. David Idriss Kamara, Principal of Pingkang Stomatological University, confirmed this was the inaugural CPR training held at the university and its attached clinic. “We have trained over 60 students who have now completed the program and are on internship,” he said. Dr. Kamara highlighted the valuable affiliation with the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital, which hosts the 26th Batch of the Chinese Medical Team, noting several beneficial trainings provided by the team over the years.
The collaboration was praised by Dr. Liu Longfei, Team Leader of the Chinese Medical Team in Sierra Leone, who stated, “Traditional Chinese Medicine benefits the Sierra Leone community and helps to save and prolong lives. This program will foster an everlasting friendship between China and Sierra Leone.”
In his additional role as Principal of the Pingkang Medical Clinic, Dr. Kamara reported that the institution has graduated over 60 dental therapists and continues to train new students. He extended appreciation to the Chinese doctors for their support and made a direct appeal to both the Sierra Leonean and Chinese governments for further assistance. “We are desperately in need of Chinese support to accommodate more students,” he appealed.
The initiative received strong endorsements from national bodies. A representative from the Medical and Dental Council of Sierra Leone commended Pingkang University for training predominantly Sierra Leonean students, a crucial contribution given the national shortage of dentists. The representative pledged the Council’s support and emphasized the government’s need for partnerships in the health sector.
Madam Nadia Parkinson of the Tertiary Education Commission also thanked Pingkang Dental College for its role in supporting the country’s education sector. She called for continued partnership, affirmed that training dental therapists is beneficial for Sierra Leone, and confirmed the college is legally registered and operating within the country.
