By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Allegations of blatant politicization have rocked C.B. Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital, with critics claiming that the hospital’s conference hall has been misused as a venue for partisan political activity.
The hall is under the oversight of Martha C. T. Morris, Deputy Health Minister for Administration.
In an exclusive interview by this newspaper, Edwin Johnson did not mince words.
“A hospital is a place for healing, not politics. When leadership allows political meetings inside a public health institution, they are violating public trust and endangering patient care,” Johnson charged.
He claimed that the hospital’s conference hall was recently used to host a gathering of youths reportedly aligned with the ruling Unity Party, who aired grievances over employment opportunities in Bong County.
While the issues discussed may be legitimate, he said, they should never have been discussed in a hospital facility.
“At a time when wards are overcrowded, equipment are lacking, and patients are waiting for essential care, this administration is hosting political events. This is a betrayal of every resident, who relies on this hospital.”
He further alleged that hospital administrators have attempted to downplay the issue by sending staff to local radio stations to dismiss concerns, a move Johnson described as “deflection rather than accountability.”
Johnson has meanwhile, called this silence “deeply troubling.”
He warned that failure to act could set a dangerous precedent where public institutions are used for partisan purposes.
“The sanctity of a hospital must be preserved. Political interference in healthcare is unacceptable and must be met with serious consequences.”
He therefore, urged authorities to suspend any official found complicit pending an independent investigation.
Residents have expressed outrage, demanding that strict guidelines be enforced to ensure that public hospitals remain neutral spaces dedicated solely to patient care.
For many, the controversy highlights a wider issue of accountability and governance in public health institutions.
“If we do not protect our hospitals from political influence, we are undermining the very system designed to save lives.”
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Ministry of Health or Deputy Minister Morris, have so far produced no possible result up to press time last night.