MoH wants US$300,000 for Jackson F. Doe Hospital

Liberia’s Chief Medical Officer and Deputy Minister of Health Dr. Francis N. Kateh has pleaded with the House of Representatives to increase the Jackson F. Doe Referral Hospital’s budget by US$300,000.

Dr. Kateh told the House on Tuesday, 25 April that the current cadre of health workers in the country are limited and not well – equipped with relevant expertise to handle complicated cases that need specialist attention.

Though he says there are capable hands on ground, Dr. Kateh, however, adds that there is a need for specialist to be hired while Liberians are being trained in specialised areas.

The Jackson F. Doe Referral Hospital is one of Liberia’s main referral facilities. It is structured and equipped to handle complicated medical cases. According to a communication addressed to the House of Representatives, Dr. Kateh says the amount requested is intended to hire and incentivize a cardiologist, two neurosurgeons and procure medical and surgical supplies for the hospital.

The Chief Medical Officer has also extended appreciation to the House of Representatives for its continuous support in strengthening Liberia’s health sector. Meanwhile the House has forwarded the communication to the committees on Health and Ways, Means to proceed to Jackson Doe Hospital to investigate and report to the body.
By Bridgett Milton-Editing by Winston W. Parley