Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle the persistent overcrowding at C.B. Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital in Gbarnga, Bong County.
By the plan, government announced a 50-acre expansion project that is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare delivery. Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Health, Martha Morris, made the announcement on Friday, July 31, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the more than US$700,000 Bong County Health Team Office Complex in Melekie, outside Gbarnga.
Madam Morris recalled how C.B. Dunbar Hospital has struggled for years to cope with the growing number of patients seeking medical care.
She described the lack of space as a major challenge confronting one of the busiest referral hospitals.
“C.B. Dunbar Hospital that all of us know, is overcrowded every day. There is no space. We have purchased 50 acres of land for the expansion, and the project is starting this year.”
Madam Morris, the government has already secured the land required for the project, clearing the way for construction to begin before the end of the year.
She said, the expansion is designed to increase the hospital’s capacity, improve patient care, and introduce modern diagnostic, and specialized treatment services that are currently unavailable in the county. The project is expected to ease the heavy pressure placed on the hospital by patients arriving daily from Bong, and neighboring counties, many of whom, face long waiting times, “because of limited space, and medical facilities.”
Morris further disclosed that the expanded hospital will provide advanced diagnostic services that will reduce the need for patients to travel to Monrovia, or seek costly medical treatment abroad, including in Ghana, and India for specialized care.
Health authorities believe the investment will mark a major turning point for healthcare in Bong by bringing improved medical services closer to citizens, and reduce the burden on families forced to travel long distances for treatment.
Once completed, the expanded C.B. Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital, is expected to become a stronger regional referral center, provide healthcare services, and offer renewed hope to residents, who have long endured the challenges of an overcrowded, and overstretched medical facility.
