No Doctor at Bong Mines Hospital

There is growing apprehension in the former Germany mining area of Bong Mines in Bong County over the prolonged absence of a medical doctor at the only hospital in the area following the departure of a Nigerian doctor previously assigned at there.

According to our correspondent who recently returned from Fuama district the Bong Mines hospital is currently being managed by a Physician Assistance (PA) amidst the growing medical complications among patients.

The hospital is also said to be under staff  with many health practitioners expressing reluctance in taking up assignment in the area for various reasons.

A resident of Bong Town,  told this paper coupled with the absence of medical doctor at the hospital there is also huge shortage of drugs at the medical center creating a situation where  patients attending the hospital are normally given prescription and advised to purchase their drugs from private drug stores because the  hospital lacks the  require treatment for their illnesses.

John Boakai lamented a pregnant woman from Popota a town outside of  the formal concession area few months ago died from child birth while  being transferred to CH  Rannie Hospital in Kakata as a result of complication in delivery that needed surgical procedure.

“We are living by the mercy of God; the ministry of health needs to  intervene  by sending a medical doctor at this hospital  because this place also cater to patients from Gbarpolu county “  the former  mine worker expresses  fear  of serious health consequences  in the region.

The Chief Medical Officer of Bong County Dr. Garfee William recently confirmed to reporters in Gbarnga about the absence of medical doctor at the Bong Mines Hospital but disclosed the Ministry of Health is in search of Medical Doctor that will take up assignment in Bong Mines but no one has shown interest yet for the offer.

He said the Bong County Health the team understands the current situation the Bong Mines Hospital, but it has its own limitation in dealing with the situation. Prior to the government taking over the Bong Mines Hospital few years the health facility was managed by a Germany Medical Charity but was constrained to close up its activities due to funding problem.

The government then assigned a Nigerian Medical Doctor who was alleged to be incompetent and was removed following several complaints from patients he operated on or provided treatment for. Since his departure the Ministry of Health is yet to assign new medical doctor.

Meanwhile, a tragic motor car accident has occurred near a creek between Harbel -Firestone)and Cotton Tree  in Margibi County leaving one person dead.

According to eyewitnesses, a Marzan truck known locally as “Kia motor” is reported to have collided with another truck from opposite direction. Though the identity of the deceased is yet to be made known, relatives are reported to have taken his corpse away.