House of Representatives Mandates Investigation into Medical Credentials Scandal

Monrovia, Liberia: The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Health to investigate the alarming issue of fraudulent medical credentials within Liberia’s healthcare system.

This decision follows revelations that Peter Matthew George, former President of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association (LMDA), had been practicing as a surgeon without a verified degree.

The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) officially revoked George’s medical license in April 2025 after an extensive credential audit exposed inconsistencies in his academic qualifications.

The investigation revealed that George had falsely claimed to have obtained a medical degree from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom, an institution that does not currently offer a medical degree program.

George, who previously held the position of Chief Medical Officer at the Esther and Jereline Koung Medical Center, had been practicing medicine for over a decade before his fraudulent credentials were uncovered.

Medical procedures he carried out, including surgeries performed at the John F. Kennedy Medical Referral Hospital, have raised serious concerns about patient safety and regulatory oversight.

The House of Representatives’ decision to launch an official inquiry comes amid growing public outrage over the potential harm caused by unqualified medical practitioners.

Lawmakers are now calling for increased accountability from the Ministry of Health, the Commission on Higher Education, and the LMDC, urging them to strengthen vetting processes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Committee on Health has been tasked with reviewing the extent of the issue and reporting its findings to the legislature. The investigation will assess whether regulatory bodies failed in their duty to properly verify medical credentials before granting licenses to practitioners.

Members of the Lower House are also expected to recommend stricter policies to ensure that only qualified professionals are allowed to operate within Liberia’s healthcare system.

Public trust in medical institutions has been severely shaken by the scandal, with many citizens expressing concerns about the integrity of healthcare services. The LMDC has since announced a nationwide credential audit, requiring all medical professionals to submit updated documentation for verification.

The House of Representatives has emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that protecting citizens from unqualified medical practitioners is a top priority.