By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Choithram Memorial Hospital in Freetown has once again demonstrated its commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone following the unveiling of a newly donated endoscope machine from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital in the United Kingdom. The official presentation, held on October 29, 2025, attracted key medical professionals and administrators who hailed the development as a major milestone in advancing diagnostic services in the country.
The event brought together senior medical professionals and administrators, including Chief Administrator of the Choithram Group Harish Agnani; Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr. David Nylander MBE of Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital; Radiologist Dr. Len Gordon-Harris; Consultant Gastroenterologist and Endoscopist Dr. Edries A. Tejan; Medical Superintendent Dr. Gowrinath M. George and nurse Fatmata Koroma.
In his remarks, Harish Agnani praised the Endoscopy Unit staff for their dedication and introduced Dr. David Nylander as the driving force behind the endoscopy development initiative. He recounted that discussions with Dr. David Nylander began in 2016, two years after the project’s initial conception, during which Dr. David Nylander expressed his commitment to transfer knowledge so that local doctors and nurses could independently manage and operate the equipment. Harish Agnani highlighted the annual follow-up visits and virtual supervision by Dr.David Nylander as evidence of a genuine partnership rooted in capacity building.
Harish Agnani disclosed that the first endoscope was donated in 2018 and that the newly acquired high-definition XK model represents a major upgrade. He further noted that Choithram Memorial Hospital bore the cost of clearing the equipment through customs; a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to improved healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.
Recounting the journey, Dr. David Nylander said his involvement began in 2014 when he realized the hospital was operating with an obsolete endoscopy machine. In consultation with Dr. Len Gordon-Harris, they identified the need for modernization. By 2016, he had designed a training program for local practitioners, with Dr. Edries A. Tejan among the first beneficiaries. The week-long in-person training was complemented by weekly online follow-ups via WhatsApp, which enabled continuous learning and evaluation. Within two years, the trained personnel began mentoring others, realizing his vision of self-sustaining local expertise.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress, Dr. David Nylander confirmed plans to resume training by February or March 2026. He explained that the new high-definition XK endoscope provides sharp imagery to facilitate early cancer detection, stomach and bowel examinations and minimally invasive therapeutic procedures. Commending Dr. Tejan and the Choithram team for their exceptional service, he said their dedication inspired the decision to make the new donation.
Dr. Len Gordon-Harris reflected on earlier years when diagnostic practices relied heavily on Barium Meals and Barium Enemas. He recalled discussions with Professor Lisk and Dr. Nylander on the need for modernization, expressing satisfaction that their collective effort has finally materialized. While traditional techniques still have limited application, he affirmed that endoscopy represents the future of medical diagnostics.
Dr. Edries A. Tejan emphasized that prior to the acquisition, patients often had to travel overseas for endoscopic procedures; an expense that placed a heavy burden on families. With this new equipment, he said, patients can now receive world-class diagnostics and treatment locally at a much lower cost.
Dr. Gowrinath M. George lauded Dr. David Nylander’s vision and continued support, while commending the hospital’s local team for their dedication and professionalism, which he said form the backbone of Choithram’s success.
Nurse Fatmata Koroma expressed gratitude to Choithram Management and Dr. David Nylander for the opportunity to receive specialized training, noting that she now feels confident operating the sophisticated machine.
An endoscope is a flexible or rigid medical instrument equipped with a light and miniature camera that allows doctors to view the interior of the body without large incisions. It is widely applied in gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology, orthopedics and gynecology for both diagnostic and surgical procedures. The advantages include minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, reduced infection risk, less pain and scarring, and more accurate early disease detection.
Through this latest donation and continued partnership with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital, Choithram Memorial Hospital further strengthens its position as one of Sierra Leone’s leading centers for modern medical innovation, training and patient-centered healthcare excellence.
