AYV News, July 28, 2026
Sierra Leone has taken another major step toward digitalizing its healthcare system with the official launch of Starlink High-Speed Internet Service at the Julius Maada Bio Pediatric Excellence Hospital in Lumley.
The service was unveiled by the Minister of Health, Dr. Austin Demby, as part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize healthcare delivery through digital technology.
The satellite-powered internet service is expected to significantly improve healthcare operations by enabling faster communication, efficient patient management, electronic medical records, and timely clinical decision-making. The initiative will also be expanded to more than 300 health facilities nationwide, creating a more connected and efficient healthcare network across Sierra Leone.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Dr. Dembydescribed the initiative as a game-changer for the country’s health sector, noting that reliable high-speed internet will transform medical education, telemedicine, and professional development.
He said the connectivity will allow doctors, nurses, medical students, and other healthcare professionals to participate in virtual training, collaborate with leading international medical institutions, access global research, and consult specialists in real time, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare services delivered to patients.
Medical Superintendent of the Julius Maada Bio Pediatric Excellence Hospital, Dr. Ayeshatu Mustapha, welcomed the deployment, describing it as a transformative investment in healthcare technology.
She said the enhanced internet connectivity will improve operational efficiency, strengthen collaboration among healthcare workers across the country, and enable faster consultations with medical specialists.
According to Dr. Mustapha, the system will be particularly critical during medical emergencies, where instant communication and rapid access to patient information can speed up diagnosis, treatment, and life-saving interventions.
The rollout of Starlink internet forms part of the Bio administration’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient, technology-driven healthcare system capable of delivering faster, smarter, and more accessible healthcare services to citizens throughout Sierra Leone.
