The government recently launched an emergency fuel distribution plan for doctors in the country. The gesture made to calm frayed nerves after plans to strike over deteriorating working conditions were announced by the doctors.

The initiative, according to government would ease transportation difficulties and ensure smooth movement of health workers to get to their places of work and eliminate challenges of fuel shortages especially as it impacts access of Medicare personnel into rural and remote areas. This gesture has been met with mixed reactions, with many people questioning if the measure is an interim measure or a longer-term solution to the problem. Many who spoke to FS on the matter would like to see government putting in place a more deeper reform of key issues in the healthcare system.

Mixed Public Support and Sustainability Concerns
Many residents of Freetown reacted differently to the fuel distribution plan. Aminata Sesay, expressed happiness that the Government appears pointedly to be focused on addressing such issues affecting citizens. However, she was sceptical as to the prospects of it solving the problem on the long run. Officials, however, acknowledged those challenges while drawing attention to Narinder's contributions through a program called "Fuel distribution drives," which Sesay said "would help doctors to reach work etc, but is only one part of a much bigger issue."

Mohamed Kanu, a shop owner in Freetown slammed the gesture saying it could only endure in the short-term. He called for a health plan that is more encompassing.

Also speaking on this, Dr. Alusine Kamara, leading physician and chief executive of the Coalition for Covid-19 Forced Labour Free Policies, said: "This is a symptomatic treatment to an underlying problem that will require a dose of critical national dialogue as its cure." He stressed that "To ensure continuity of care, doctors need better working conditions, fair remuneration and dependable hospital infrastructure." Kamara urged the government to focus on reforms of rural health management, where supplies and dependable transportation are in chronic short supply.

FS also spoke to some public health experts. They endorsed the government's response but say reforms are needed in the long term. Ibrahim Conteh, a professor at the University of Sierra Leone medical school, said that the country's healthcare system has been in need of decades of investment in training, resources and infrastructure. "Fuel shortages are a manifestation of larger issues, and unless we make some foundational changes, we will be plagued by these crises," Conteh said. Also finding some common ground, health policy expert Dr Mariama Jalloh said sustainability needs to be top of priorities in overhauling the healthcare sector.

The energy compact suggested by the government may have much to offer in terms of benefits to the healthcare sector. Community head, Fatmata Kamara is of the opinion that constant power supply would be beneficial in running health care operations. "Hospitals could be more productive if the compact allows for more efficient power generation and delivery."

While the plan for distributing the fuel is an improvement on the previous policy of supporting the healthcare professionals, it is apparent that members of the public as well as practitioners of healthcare would prefer a more holistic measure on the part of government. Dr. Kamara stressed the importance of cooperation and accountability between government and health care workers if an enduring improvement is to be achieved. "The government has such a chance and such a challenge in dealing with the health care problem. But effective change will need an investment for many years to come apart from distribution of fuel.”

The government has reported an increase in petroleum income in the economy. The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) revealed that a significant rise in revenue derivable from the oil sector was recorded in the 9 months to September 2024.

Executive Director of PRA, Brima Koroma disclosed that from January to September 2024, petroleum revenues exceeded projections and peaked at over Nle 1,757.21 billion; approximately £57.637,118.64. Adding that the PRA has restored public trust in the petroleum sector. The PRA, according to him, is dedicated to transparency and accountability. “This has led to a significant increase in operational gas stations, reflecting renewed public faith in the agency”. PRA’s commitment to improving accessibility and service delivery, he said, is evident in its strategic initiatives, which include increasing storage capacity to ensure a stable supply of petroleum products and forming strategic partnerships to strengthen market stability amidst global challenges.

The achievements of the PRA are supported by government’s focus on economic development and infrastructure and the PRA’s administration’s vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Sierra Leone aligned with its mission of fostering growth and innovation. He spoke on environmental sustainability noting that the oil regulatory agency has implemented strict environmental standards in the industry.

“PRA’s strict environmental standard has helped in moderating environmental impact while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards”. He explained further that the agency reported product consumption split of 46.50% petrol, 49.10% diesel and 4.4% others, with petrol and diesel barrels at 41.4% and 32.90% respectively. The PRA, in recent times, has successfully reviewed petroleum pump prices, reducing them from Nle 30.00 per litre to Nle 27.30 for petrol and Nle 27.40 for diesel, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Finance, World Bank, and other stakeholders.

In 2025, domestic economic growth is projected at 4.5 percent due to anticipated extension in agricultural activities, a rebound in the mining sector and continued macroeconomic stability. This outlook is supported by the Bank in assessing business confidence and composite index of Economic activities (CIEA).