SINOE COUNTY, LIBERIA – The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has ordered the immediate closure of three health clinics operated by Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) in Butaw, Tarjouwon, and Kpanyan Districts, citing serious violations of national healthcare standards.
According to Joseph Colmah, Clinical and Research Director at the LMDC, the decision follows a recent inspection that revealed widespread noncompliance with essential medical protocols. Inspectors found that the clinics were chronically understaffed and lacked qualified medical professionals. The assessment further documented poor hygiene, improper disposal of medical waste, and the absence of functioning medical waste incinerators.
“The continued operation of these clinics in such poor condition is unacceptable,” Colmah said. He emphasized that GVL had been previously warned about the deficiencies but failed to take corrective actions.
Additional violations included substandard drug management practices, weak record-keeping systems, and infrastructure that fell short of basic health facility requirements. The LMDC expressed particular concern over the potential public health risks posed by the continued operation of these clinics under such conditions.
Golden Veroleum Liberia, which entered into a long-term concession agreement with the Liberian government in 2010, is expected to operate in the country until 2075. The company’s clinics were intended to serve employees and residents in surrounding communities.
The closures come as part of a nationwide health facility review initiated by the LMDC, aimed at raising the standard of care and enforcing regulatory compliance across both public and private healthcare providers.
The LMDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the health and safety of Liberians and warned that additional enforcement actions would follow if clinics and hospitals fail to meet minimum operating standards.
