The Report: “Her resignation follows a prolonged period of administrative actions that persisted despite her full cooperation with investigators and her subsequent exoneration by LNP regarding an allegation made against her during an Ebola preparedness training.”
Mrs. Joana Domingo Joekai, has tendered her resignation as director of nursing services at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC).
Mrs. Joekai resignation has also ended her nearly two years of high‑impact leadership marked by sweeping reforms in nursing administration, professional standards, and patient care in the three national referral hospitals.
Her resignation will take effect on August 25, 2026.
It follows a prolonged period of administrative actions that persisted despite her full cooperation with investigators and her subsequent exoneration by the Liberia National Police regarding an allegation made against her during an Ebola preparedness training.
In her letter, she states that although she submitted her official police clearance and sought reinstatement, she received no substantive response, and was later informed of a secondment she formally challenged.
She says these developments ultimately convinced her that she could no longer serve effectively under the prevailing circumstances.
A seasoned healthcare executive with more than 20 years of clinical and executive nursing leadership in the United States, Mrs. Joekai returned to home out of patriotism and a desire to strengthen the national healthcare system.
She brought advanced training, a Master of Science in Nurse Executive, and multiple professional certifications, sacrificing a successful international career to contribute to national development.
During her tenure, according to a release, she led major reforms in nursing supervision, professional development, patient safety, workforce discipline, continuing education, clinical standards and quality assurance.
Mrs. Joekai leadership boosted morale among nursing professionals and strengthened systems that improved healthcare outcomes for Liberians medical practitioners.
In her resignation message, Mrs. Joekai said, her departure should not be interpreted as a “loss of confidence in the government, or in President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.”
She meanwhile, reaffirmed her strong support for the President’s governance and public‑sector reform agenda, praising Boakai’s commitment to strengthen national institutions and expand opportunities for qualified Liberians.
Madam Joekai also expressed deep appreciation for the confidence Pres. Boakai has placed in her husband, Josiah F. Joekai, Jr.
She reaffirmed her family’s full support for ongoing efforts to strengthen the public service.
Widely respected for her professionalism, humility, and commitment to excellence, Madam Joekai leaves behind a legacy of transformational leadership, mentorship, patient advocacy, and institutional development.
Her resignation has already sparked discussion within professional circles, with many acknowledging her contributions and the sacrifices made by returning home to serve.
As she prepares for the next chapter of her career, Madam Joekai says, her passion for healthcare leadership and public service remains undiminished.
She expressed heartfelt gratitude to nurses, physicians, healthcare workers, patients, and the Liberian people, wishing JFK Medical Center continued success in fulfilling its national mandate.