Senator Calls for Urgent Action to Address Healthcare Crisis at Emirates Hospital and Nationwide

Monrovia, Liberia – Senator Amara M. Konneh has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions at Emirates Hospital in Bopolu City, Gbarpolu County, following a recent visit to assess the facility’s operations, challenges, and opportunities.

In a communication to President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Kangar-Lawrenceand the Liberian Senate, he detailed alarming deficiencies in electricity, medical supplies, and funding, calling for immediate intervention.

Severe Challenges at Emirates Hospital

During his visit on February 1, 2025, Senator Konneh observed:

Empty pharmacy shelves, leaving patients without essential medications.

Advanced diagnostic equipment is unused due to lack of electricity and fuel shortages for the hospital's 440 KVA generators.

Solar power shuts down at 9 p.m., forcing patients to endure extreme heat, with many resting outside on lappa mats.

Non-functional hospital IT systems, preventing doctors, nurses, and pharmacists from accessing and updating patient records.

Poor living conditions for medical staff, with no electricity to support their water systems or living quarters.

Drastic Budget Cuts and Funding Delays

Senator Konneh highlighted severe reductions in the hospital’s funding, which has crippled healthcare services:

In FY2024, the hospital was allocated $350,000 USD but received only $37,000 USD (10.6% of the budget).

In FY2025, the appropriation was slashed by 57% to just $150,000 USD.

He warned that similar challenges are being faced by hospitals across Liberia, including:

John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital (Monrovia)

Redemption Hospital (New Kru Town)

14 Military Hospital (Margibi)

C.H. Rennie Hospital (Kakata)

Jackson F. Doe Hospital (Tappita)

Tellawoyen Hospital (Voinjama)

Government Hospitals in Tubmanburg, Robertsport, Buchanan, Cestos City, Greenville, Harper, and Gbarnga

Call for Government Action

Senator Konneh has urged the Senate Plenary to summon the Ministers of Finance and Development Planning and Health and Social Welfare on Thursday, February 6, 2025, to explain:

The reason behind the drastic budget cuts to Emirates Hospital and other health facilities.

The delays or failures in disbursing allocated funds to hospitals nationwide.

The status of medicine and medical supply deliveries from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

He also called on his colleagues in the Senate to restore Emirates Hospital’s funding to its FY2024 level, emphasizing that the facility plays a critical role in providing healthcare to residents of Gbarpolu and Western Liberia.

A Plea for Urgent Suppor

“The bureaucratic delays at the Ministries of Health and Finance continue to create unnecessary bottlenecks, threatening the lives of our citizens seeking care,” Senator Konneh stated.

 He urged lawmakers to act compassionately and swiftly to prevent further deterioration of the nation’s healthcare system.

The Liberian Senate is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days.