By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Bong County is reeling after the deaths of two pregnant women, who were to safely deliver at two different facilities.
The two incidents are said to have “exposed government’s repeated failure to safeguard maternal health.”
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) in collaboration with the Liberia National Police (LNP), has launched an investigation.
Against this background, residents warned the deaths are “symptomatic of systemic negligence.”
LMDC Registrar General, Dr. Augustus G. Quiah, confirmed that the Council’s emergency deployment to Bong County followed a formal complaint by the County Health Team regarding suspected maternal deaths.
However, community members argue that such tragedies are “preventable and reflect decades of inadequate government oversight of healthcare services.”
“Maternal death is not good for families, communities, or the nation. Every pregnant woman deserves safe delivery and proper medical care,” Dr. Quiah said.
He noted: “This is not the first time the LMDC has received reports of maternal deaths, with previous cases recorded in Montserrado and other counties. Investigations so far indicate that the suspects involved hail from Bong County electoral districts #2 and #6. Authorities say the LMDC will determine whether the matter remains under its jurisdiction or
is handed over fully to the police for legal action.”
But critics say assigning blame to “individuals” misses the larger point: the government has consistently failed to provide hospitals, qualified personnel, and emergency maternal care where it is desperately needed.
Health experts say these deaths highlighted the glaring deficiencies in government policy and oversight, pointing to poorly equipped facilities, lack of trained obstetric staff, and weak enforcement of health regulations.
Residents of told reporters that emergency services are almost nonexistent in rural districts, forcing women to risk their lives traveling long distances for childbirth.
“This is a national shame,” said one resident, who requested anonymity.
“Women are dying because government has not prioritized maternal health. Licenses and regulations mean nothing if clinics don’t have the staff or medicine to save lives.”
LMDC, as a statutory body, regulates medical practitioners and health facilities.
Dr. Quiah said, all practitioners must have valid credentials, complete internships, and obtain licenses.
“Yet, these regulatory frameworks have done little or nothing to prevent recurring maternal deaths, raising uncomfortable questions about government enforcement and accountability.
As the investigation continues, civil society organizations have meanwhile, called for urgent action from the Ministry of Health and other government agencies.
“We cannot allow maternal deaths to become routine,” said a local advocacy leader.
The deaths serve as a stark reminder of ongoing maternal health crisis, and the urgent need for government accountability before more lives are lost.