The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has announced a series of stringent measures to weed out ‘unqualified individuals’ from the country’s health sector.
This move follows alarming revelations that a well-known medical figure allegedly falsified his academic credentials.
LMDC Chairperson, Dr. Benetta Collins Andrews, Made the disclosure over the weekend at the Ministry of Information weekly press briefing in Monrovia. Dr.
Andrews: “The Council is intensifying its credential verification process to safeguard public health and ensure professional standards. We are stepping up our credentialing system with robust verification.”
Too many cases of malpractices and credential frauds have come to our attention,” She told the news conference.
She revealed that upon assuming office two years ago, by ordering a comprehensive review of all medical practitioners’ credentials.
The review uncovered that Mr. Peter George, former President of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association a separate pressure and advocacy group could not provide valid documentation to support his claim of being a licensed medical doctor.
“Mr. George claimed to hold an MD from several institutions, including one in the UK. At one point, he spoke of graduating from Seville, then Central and Backward, and later the University of Hertfordshire,” Dr. Andrews said.
“We verified his claims through international partners, including the Association of Medical Councils of Africa and regulatory bodies in the UK and US, but found no evidence of his enrollment or graduation.”
Based on findings from its Credentialing and Ethics Committees, the LMDC revoked ‘Mr. Dr’ George’s medical license.
Dr. Andrews denied the decision being politically driven, but grounded in due process and professional oversight.
“If Mr. George presents valid documentation, we are open to reviewing his case.
But as of now, he has not met the basic requirement of proving that he holds a legitimate MD degree,” she stated.
Dr. Andrews outlined plans for the introduction of a robotic credential verification system to strengthen the Council’s regulatory framework and prevent future fraud.
She also called for increased financial and logistical support to establish regional LMDC offices and improve digital systems for data verification.
In collaboration with the ministries of Health and Justice, LMDC will also focus on enhancing data protection protocols to secure patients’ medical records and prevent unauthorized exposure online.
Dr. Andrews praised the government’s launch of the National Health Insurance Scheme, noting that it would help make healthcare more affordable and accessible, particularly for low-income citizens.
“People often die in the terminal stages of illnesses, because they can’t afford care. With insurance coverage, they’ll be able to seek treatment earlier without fearing the cost,” she explained.
As the LMDC intensifies its efforts to eliminate malpractice and bolster regulatory standards.
Dr. Andrews reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to protecting the public and aligning its mission with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for inclusive health sector reform.