MONROVIA – The John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), Liberia’s largest referral hospital, is set to receive a major boost in its waste management system as House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon fulfills his promise to construct a USD 20,000 incinerator. Breaking ground for the project on Monday, March 17, 2025, Speaker Koon emphasized that the initiative is part of his broader commitment to strengthening Liberia’s healthcare infrastructure.
JFK has long struggled with the high cost of medical waste disposal, spending over USD 40,000 annually to manage hazardous materials. Chief Executive Officer Lina E. Birch described the incinerator as a much-needed intervention that will significantly reduce costs and enhance sanitation at the hospital. She lauded Speaker Koon for taking practical steps to address a critical challenge that has plagued the institution for years.
For Speaker Koon, this project is only the beginning. He announced ongoing discussions with his legislative colleagues to increase JFK’s 2026 budget to USD 20 million, ensuring the hospital receives adequate funding for infrastructure and other pressing needs. He stressed that the hospital’s ability to provide quality healthcare depends on substantial investment, and he remains committed to championing such efforts.
SP Innovative Services Company, the firm contracted to execute the project, has assured that the incinerator will be completed within 90 days. With work now underway, JFK’s management and staff anticipate a transformative shift in how the hospital handles medical waste, one that will not only improve operations but also create a safer environment for patients and healthcare workers.
