In an extraordinary demonstration of compassion and goodwill, the Indian community in Sierra Leone has stepped forward to fund the life-saving medical treatment of two-year-old Samuel Favour Salfu Adikalie Mansaray, diagnosed with severe congenital heart defects. This remarkable humanitarian gesture was formally announced during a press briefing held on February 7, 2025, at the Choithram Head Office Conference Room on Rawdon Street in Freetown.
The event was graced by several distinguished personalities, including the Indian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, B.C. Pradhan; Head of Chancery, Neeraj Kumar Saini; Medical Superintendent of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Dr. Gowrinath M. George; and prominent members of the Indian community. Central to the announcement was Harish Agnani, a leading representative of the Indian community, who detailed the generous intervention undertaken to ensure Samuel receives critical medical attention abroad.
According to Harish Agnani, Samuel’s mother, Fatmata Mary Kamara, a devoted nurse at Choithram Memorial Hospital, had exhausted all possible avenues in her desperate search for assistance.
Despite appeals to the government, her son’s dire condition remained unaddressed due to constraints within existing aid structures. It was her unwavering determination and love for her child that moved the Indian community to act swiftly, mobilizing resources to fully cover the cost of the overseas treatment.
Emphasizing that this was not an isolated act of philanthropy, Harish Agnani recalled a similar intervention two years ago when the Indian community funded the medical treatment of another child, Alhaji Lamrana Jalloh, whose condition necessitated urgent specialized care in India. That initiative, which resulted in a successful recovery, underscored the enduring commitment of the Indian community to humanitarian assistance in Sierra Leone.
Clarifying the role of Choithram Memorial Hospital, Agnani noted that while the hospital facilitated logistical aspects, the decision to support Samuel was a collective effort driven by the Indian community. He disclosed that the necessary travel documents, including airline tickets, medical visas, and proof of covered medical expenses, have been secured and will be handed over to Samuel’s family.
According to him, a total of $14,000 to $15,000 was contributed to cover the treatment, with an additional $1,000 provided for Samuel’s mother’s personal expenses during their stay in India. Expressing optimism for a successful outcome, Agnani extended heartfelt wishes for the child’s swift recovery.
Providing further insight into the meticulous arrangements made to facilitate Samuel’s treatment, Dr. Gowrinath M. George elaborated on the extensive preparations undertaken to ensure that the young patient receives the best possible care. He explained that the child’s medical records were carefully compiled and transmitted to India, where top specialists at the internationally acclaimed Max Super Specialty Hospital were ready to administer advanced pediatric cardiac treatment. Dr. George expressed deep satisfaction that these efforts had culminated in a viable solution, offering renewed hope for Samuel’s future.
Indian High Commissioner B.C. Pradhan, who recently assumed office, lauded this extraordinary act of generosity. Reflecting on his engagements with high-ranking Sierra Leonean officials, he noted that President Julius Maada Bio himself had acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Indian community, particularly in the health sector. He reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare infrastructure and enhancing medical capacity-building initiatives to ensure broader access to quality healthcare.
Addressing the urgency of Samuel’s condition, B.C. Pradhan assured attendees that the child would receive world-class medical attention in India, a country renowned for its exceptional healthcare system and success in treating complex medical cases. He commended the efficiency and affordability of Indian medical institutions and officially presented Samuel’s family with their travel and medical documents, alongside the additional financial support.
Overcome with emotion, Fatmata Mary Kamara expressed profound gratitude to God and to every individual and entity that had made her son’s treatment possible. She recounted the harrowing journey she had undertaken since Samuel’s diagnosis at just seven months old, highlighting the seemingly insurmountable challenges she faced in securing the necessary medical intervention. With tears of relief and joy, she announced that she and her son would depart for India on February 10, 2025, with a hopeful return expected in March. She extended her heartfelt appreciation to Harish Agnani, Dr. Gowrinath George, the Indian community, and all those who played a role in bringing this life-changing opportunity to fruition.
As the press briefing concluded, the room resonated with a profound sense of unity, compassion, and hope.
The Indian community’s generosity has not only given Samuel a renewed chance at life but has also reaffirmed the boundless power of humanitarianism. Their intervention stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of kindness that transcends nationality and cultural barriers, an inspiring reminder that collective goodwill remains one of the most powerful forces for change.
