Liberia: Phebe Hospital Pleads for US$70K in Bus Assistance from GoL
Phebe Hospital Medical Director of Phebe Hospital, Dr. Minnie Sankawolo-Ricks (L)
— As Dr. Ricks revealed a lack of essential resources such as a functional bus for transportation, shortages of medical supplies, and shortage of fuel, which are crucial for sustaining the hospital’s operations.
The Administration of Phebe Referral Hospital in Gbarnga, Bong County has appealed to the government of Joseph N. Boakai for assistance in procuring a new Mitsubishi bus valued at seventy thousand United States Dollars (US$70,000) from Prestige Motor Corporation.
This request comes as a critical need to ensure seamless transportation for their healthcare professionals and the provision of quality healthcare services to the community.
Speaking to the press in Gbarnga on March 7, 2024, Dr. Minnie Sankawolo-Ricks, the Medical Director of Phebe Hospital, acknowledged the financial challenges faced by their supporters but emphasized the importance of investing in the institution's infrastructure for the wellbeing of citizens.
“We implore you to consider this invaluable impact of investing in our institution’s infrastructure, which directly translates to the improved well-being of our citizens,” Sankawolo-Ricks said.
Dr. Ricks highlighted Phebe Hospital’s pivotal role as a referral center, providing essential healthcare services to the underserved population of Bong County and neighboring areas on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
“As a significant recipient of governmental support, we are reaching out to our esteemed stakeholders, including the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Health, leaders of Bong County, our cherished partners, friends of Phebe Hospital, the Business community, philanthropists, and well-wisher to rally behind our cause,” she added.
Expressing gratitude to various stakeholders, including the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Health, leaders of Bong County, partners, friends of Phebe Hospital, the business community, philanthropists, and well-wishers, Dr. Ricks called for their collective support to address the hospital’s operational challenges.
The pressing issues facing the hospital include the lack of crucial resources, such as a functional transportation system, medical supplies, and fuel shortages, which are vital for sustaining hospital operations.
The current bus, in service since 2012, has reached the end of its lifespan, incurring significant maintenance costs and hindering the transportation of staff. Dr. Sankawolo-Ricks appealed to President Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Koung, and other compassionate Liberians to support their cause for a brighter healthcare future in Liberia.
“One of our paramount concerns is the terrible state of our transportation system, particularly the aged bus that has faithfully served us since its acquisition in May 2012,” Sankawolo-Ricks said. “However, after twelve years of dedicated service, the bus has surpassed its lifespan and now demands excessive maintenance costs, obstructing our ability to efficiently transport our invaluable health workers that are residing between Suakoko and Gbarnga to and from their duty stations.”
She added, “We hope that the government of President Boakai and Jeremiah Koung and other well-meaning Liberians will heed our call for support. Together, let us forge a path toward a brighter, healthier future for all in Liberia.”
She expressed gratitude to the Board of Trustees, Administration, and employees of Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing for their unwavering support in delivering healthcare services to Bong County and Liberia as a whole.