MONROVIA – Today, May 21st, at the Ministry of Health in Congo Town, Monrovia, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto addressed the media, unveiling a strategic plan to build a resilient and robust healthcare system for Liberia. The Ministry aims to operate with transparency and accountability, emphasizing quality patient care and a conducive working environment for healthcare providers.
Dr. Kpoto announced the formation of a National Health Sector Task Force as a pivotal step towards achieving these goals. The task force is mandated to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the health sector, encompassing both public and private institutions. Its primary objective is to identify and document the challenges hindering the provision of quality health services, with a particular focus on the monitoring and appropriate utilization of medicines and medical products supplied by donors and the government.
The task force is chaired by Tacto Delisumo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Medicines and Health Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and includes a broad-based membership. Representatives come from the Liberian Medical and Dental Council, the Liberian Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority, the Liberian Pharmacy Board, the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency, the Ministry of Justice, the National Health Workers Union of Liberia, and the Independent Health Task Force of Liberia. The Chief Pharmacist of the Republic of Liberia serves as the secretary to the board, with the Minister of Health as an ex-officio member.
Dr. Kpoto emphasized that the diverse composition of the task force ensures a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the systemic challenges within the health sector. The task force will diligently work to identify the root causes of issues such as the diversion and misappropriation of medicines and medical supplies intended for hospitals and clinics.
“I am confident that the work of the National Health Sector Task Force will pave the way for a healthcare system that truly serves the needs of the Liberian people,” Dr. Kpoto stated. “I encourage all Liberians to support the task force and collaborate with us in building a resilient and robust healthcare system for Liberia.”
The Minister acknowledged the receipt of a report from USAID and noted that the task force’s establishment is a proactive measure to address and prevent recurring issues identified in the report. Dr. Kpoto highlighted the importance of civil society’s role in this initiative, emphasizing that their inclusion is crucial for the success of the task force. The Ministry will actively engage with civil society and the community, ensuring that beneficiaries of health services play a key role in this process.
Quoting His Excellency, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Dr. Kpoto concluded, “Let us think Liberia, love Liberia, and build Liberia.”
