The House of Representatives summons two senior authorities in the health sector for questioning over poor conditions and services.
By Bridgett Milton
Margibi, Liberia, January 29, 2025 – The House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Catherine Thomas Cooper, to address pressing issues in the public health sector.
The officials are expected to appear on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following a complaint by Grand Bassa County District #1 Representative, Isaac G. Bannie.
In his communication to Plenary, Rep. Bannie raised serious concern about operations of public hospitals, including reports of additional charges imposed on patients despite budgetary allocations in the 2024 National Budget meant to support these facilities.
“Our people are faced with a situation where authorities of various public hospitals are demanding referred cases to buy fuel and pay for operation fees before they can be attended to”, the lawmaker laments.
He describes the practice as unacceptable and a violation of citizens’ access to essential healthcare services.
He also flags an alarming trend of assigning specialized medical doctors to administrative positions, leaving critical gaps in specialized care.
He cites examples from Montserrado, Nimba, and Grand Cape Mount counties, as well as the current EPI Director at the Ministry of Health.
“What happens when there are complex emergency cases that require the expertise of those specialized medical doctors?” The lawmaker asks, emphasizing the negative implications of these assignments on the overall health system.
Rep. Bannie urges his colleagues to prioritize the issue, noting that public health is a cornerstone of national development. He also stresses a need for transparency and efficiency in the use of public funds allocated for healthcare services.
“This Honorable Body must ensure that public health facilities deliver the required services without placing undue burdens on citizens,” he continues.
Meanwhile, the plenary of the House of Representatives has granted Rep. Bannie’s request, mandating Dr. Kpoto and Dr. Cooper to explain the reported hospital practices and reassignment of specialists to non-clinical roles. Lawmakers hope the appearance will shed light on these concerns and outline a path for corrective actions.
This development comes amid widespread complaints about challenges facing the health sector, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of personnel. Patients, especially in rural areas, continue to bear the brunt of systemic inefficiencies, sparking growing calls for reform. Editing by Jonathan Browne
