In the aftermath of the Phebe saga, authorities at the Civil Service Agency (CSA), has suspended seven of the hospital’s workers.
The affected workers have also been threatened with dismissal if could not return to work.
Those suspended for one month without pay pending investigation, include Moses D.N. Davis, Ward Clerk and President of the Phebe Workers Association, Nicola S. Peter, plumber Peter Yallah, mortician and J. Stephen B. K. Wannah, laundryman.
Others are Doris Bee, nurse,
Jefferson Sumo, driver and James Sumo, driver.
In a related development, a prolonged go-slow action by health workers at the Phebe Referral Hospital, has nearly crippled operations at the facilities.
With wards empty, critical units shut down, and patients turned away, fears are mounting that avoidable deaths could occur if urgent intervention is not taken.
Phebe Hospital, located in Suakoko District, serves as a major referral center for Bong County and neighboring counties, including Lofa, Nimba and parts of Grand Bassa.
For decades, the hospital has been a lifeline for thousands seeking emergency care, maternal services, surgeries and specialized treatment.
Today, however, the once-busy corridors are eerily quiet as activities are brought to standstill.
Normal medical activities have drastically slowed as aggrieved health workers continue their go-slow action.
The medical, surgical and pediatric units, have reportedly been left without adequate staff.
In some cases, entire sections are said to be unattended to the extent that patients, who were receiving treatment are now forced to leave due to limited or unavailable services.
In the ensuing confusion, families have transported their sick relatives to smaller clinics and health centers in Gbarnga and surrounding communities.
Others, with no transportation or financial means, reportedly returned home uncertain of where to seek further care.
Witnesses described heartbreaking scenes of relatives carrying patients on motorbikes and in wheelbarrows in desperate attempts to find alternative treatment.
Some pregnant women, elderly patients, and those with chronic illnesses are believed to be among the most affected.
Public health experts warn that interruptions in medical care, especially in emergency and maternity services could have deadly consequences.
“When a referral hospital stops functioning effectively, the ripple effect can be catastrophic,” one local health observer said.
“Lives will be lost, especially among vulnerable populations.”
The workers’ action is reportedly linked to longstanding grievances over alleged salary disparities and strained working relationships within the hospital’s administration.
According to sources, staff members have demanded the relocation of three senior hospital officials, whom they accused of creating “unfavorable working conditions.”
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, representatives of the aggrieved staff, insisted that their action is not to harm patients, but to draw attention to “systemic administrative issues and inequitable treatment.”
Bong County Superintendent Loileyah Hawa Norris, and Police Commander William Johnson, reportedly visited the scene and engaged consultative meetings to resolve the impasse.
Despite their presence and mediation efforts, the aggrieved health workers have reportedly shown no sign of backing down from their go-slow action.