Health Minister, Chief Medical Officer Summoned At Capitol Building

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The Plenary of the House of Representatives has summoned the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, and the Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, Dr. Catherine Thomas Cooper, to appear before the legislative body on Tuesday to address pressing national concerns affecting public healthcare services across the Country. A statement from the House Press and Public Affairs bureau says, the decision was reached during the House’s 5th day sitting of the 2nd quarter following a formal communication from Grand Bassa County Electoral District 1 Representative, Hon. Isaac Bannie.

In his communication, Hon. Bannie raised concerns about reports that public hospital authorities are requiring patients referred for specialized care to provide fuel and pay operation fees before receiving medical attention.  He stressed that such practices contradict the purpose of budgetary allocations in the 2024 National Budget, which was intended to support all public health facilities and referral hospitals across the 15 counties of Liberia. Additionally,  Rep. Bannie highlighted the misallocation of specialized medical doctors, who are reportedly being assigned as County Health Officers instead of serving in their respective fields of expertise. He pointed out cases in Montserrado, Nimba, and Grand Cape Mount Counties, as well as the current EPI Director at the Ministry of Health, as examples of this mismanagement.  The Grand Bassa County lawmaker questioned the impact of this policy on emergency cases requiring specialized medical expertise, warning that it could contribute to rising mortality rates in the country. “In view of these grave national concerns, I respectfully urge this Honorable Body to invite the Minister of Health, Dr. Louise M. Kpoto, and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Catherine Thomas Cooper, to provide comprehensive explanations and propose solutions to address these critical healthcare issues,” Rep. Bannie stated in his communication. The House of Representatives has taken this matter seriously and is expected to engage the summoned officials in a detailed discussion on next Tuesday to ensure that adequate healthcare services are accessible and effectively delivered to all Liberians.

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