Boakai Intervenes In Go-slow at Phebe Hospital

Monrovia, Liberia: President Joseph Boakai has ordered the resumption of medical services at the Phebe Hospital in Suacoco, Bong County, following weeks of go-slow actions by employees that plunged the Hospital into temporary shutdown.

For nearly 4 weeks, health workers at the Hospital disengaged from normal duties, protesting salary disparities, management's decisions over staff appointment, as well as labor-related issues. 

In an Executive Mansion release on Monday, President Boakai noted that his decision to order the immediate return of employees and administrators to duties the Phebe Hospital, is based on the significant role the Hospital plays as one of the major referral health facilities in the country.

According to him, no amount of internal disagreement should prevent Liberians from receiving medical services at the facility.

"President Joseph Boakai ordered the immediate reopening of Phebe Hospital in Suacoco, Bong County, following a high-level meeting with key stakeholders aimed at resolving the recent disruption of healthcare services at one of Liberia's principal referral hospitals".

"The President issued the directives during a meeting at the Executive Mansion attended by Bong County Senator Prince K. Moye; Minister of Health Dr. Louise M. Kpoto; representatives of the Lutheran, Episcopal, and United Methodist Churches, which jointly govern Phebe Hospital", the release quoted.

To address the situation, the Liberian leader has announced the establishment of a Special Committee, to be led by the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs and comprising relevant stakeholders, including representatives of the Governing Churches of Phebe Hospital and the Ministry of Health.

The Committee has been tasked to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dispute and recommend immediate, medium-term, and long-term measures to strengthen the hospital's governance, management, and operational effectiveness.

"We must never allow politics to take root in our hospitals. Our focus must remain on delivering quality healthcare to the Liberian people," the President stated.

President Joseph Boakai emphasized that protecting the health and well-being of the citizens remains a central priority of his administration.

The Phebe Hospital situated in central Liberia, was established in 1921 and stands as one of the oldest health facilities in the country. It acts as a referral hospital and provides medical services for thousands of citizens in Bong County and surrounding areas.