In a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure in Liberia, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, over the weekend dedicated a state-of-the-art incinerator at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK MC) valued at over $31,000. Unite state Dollars.
In his address during the dedicatory ceremony Speaker’s Koon said the initiative comes during his visit at the health facility in April of this year as growing concern of pressing issue of medical waste management that has plagued the facility for years.
He further remarked on the dire condition of waste management, which he referred to as a “low hanging fruit” that needed immediate attention.
The facility had been struggling with a substantial pile of medical waste, particularly behind the Maternity Center, costing the hospital between $6,000 and $7,000 monthly for disposal amidst ongoing financial challenges. Koon added.
“This incinerator is not just a piece of equipment; it symbolizes hope for the Liberian people,” Speaker Koon stated at the dedication ceremony. “We can no longer rely on others for our healthcare needs. It’s time we take charge and ensure that our medical facilities meet international standards.
He announced plans to prioritize improvements to the hospital infrastructure in the upcoming budget year, particularly focusing on patient rooms. “My next steps will be to tackle the bedrooms in the hospital, ensuring that we create a conducive environment for healing,” he said.
Also speaking Linda A. Birch, CEO of JFK Medical Center, echoed the importance of cleanliness in delivering quality healthcare, emphasizing that “you can’t treat people and can’t clean the facility.
Madam Birch, at the same time, expressed her gratitude to Firestone for their support in contributing toward the construction of the incinerator, highlighting the collaborative effort required to enhance medical services in Liberia.
She however extol President Boakai for what she described has his dedication in improving healthcare through his numerous contributions, and together, we will work to elevate the standards of our medical facilities.
For his part, the Chief Medical Officer of John F Kennedy Medical Center, John E. Tamba, described modern incinerator as the beginning of a pivotal moment in the journey toward self-sufficiency in healthcare.
According to him, with the new incinerator now operational, JFK MC is taking a substantial step forward in addressing its waste management issues, ultimately aiming to reduce the need for patients to seek medical care abroad.