MONROVIA-The latest move by the administration of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital (JFK) to increase fees has been fiercely resisted by Liberians, who are equally calling for free healthcare.
The decision to hike fees at the Government-owned health facility is seen as a sharp contrast to the totted the notion that there is free healthcare services provided at the Hospital, the biggest referral health facility in the country.
There are always fees are being charged for services provided to the public, but Liberians believe the government should at least provide healthcare services for minimum fees if it is not in the position to offer 100% free health delivery services to its people.
According to them, for a public health facility to outright increase healthcare fees and cancel free healthcare for children under five is a complete disservice.
The pronouncement by JFK Hospital that it has increased maternity service fees and cancelled free healthcare for children under five has prompted widespread criticism and rejection from Liberian citizens.
A July 16, 2025, memorandum under the signature of CEO Dr. Linda A. Birch, JFKMC outlined new registration fees for maternity services. The JFK Medical Center is Liberia’s largest referral hospital in the country.
The move follows an earlier directive in May 2025, which cancelled all-free treatment for children under five, triggering concerns about access to healthcare for Liberia’s most vulnerable populations.
The latest memo details a new-fee schedule for Caesarean sections, including an admission fee of US$25 (for 1-5 days), a surgical fee of US$90, intraoperative medications and supplies costing US$65, and routine labs at US$20, amounting to a total of US$200. The hospital mandated that all patients must deposit the specified amounts before undergoing surgery, with receipts to be documented in patients’ charts.
“We regret any inconvenience this may cause you,” the memo reads. Furthermore, JFKMC announced that all other services would be billed as ordered, effective July 15, 2025.
However, the latest move has drawn sharp criticism, condemnation and criticism from Liberians, many of whom argue that the fee hikes and removal of free services threaten the health and lives of mothers and children.
Social media is flooded with criticism and rejection of the decision taken by the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center to increase maternity fees and cancel free healthcare services for children under Five.
In collaborative voices, some vocal critics of the ruling Unity Party-led government, condemned the decision, stating, “Children who once received treatment for free are now being turned away if their parents cannot pay. Liberia already ranks among the worst in the world for under-five mortality. These policies are costing lives.”
These critics have called on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to intervene, emphasizing that the recent policies do not align with the government’s supposed “Rescue Mission” and warning of a dangerous regression that endangers maternal and child health.
One Liberian opined, “So, these people are telling us it is too expensive to give birth? Anyway, that’s another death sentence, coming from rescue.”
One prominent political figure, expressed concern over the situation, questioning whether investigations are underway into the hospital’s financial practices. “What will private hospitals or clinics do if JFKMC continues on this path?” She asked.
A male Liberian shared a tragic account of personal loss, revealing, “I paid US$150 for a C-section this June, excluding other fees. Sadly, my newborn and my partner did not survive due to lack of proper care. I lost my child and my girlfriend in just ten days.”
An acclaimed opposition figure Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor criticized the move, saying, “JFK is not only increasing fees for maternal care but also cancelling free healthcare for children under five. Babies might die; poor families will suffer. Yet, the generator makes US$3,600, but they can’t increase the budget to cover these costs? Who is truly being rescued here?”
While many citizens express disgust, some supporters of the government offer a different perspective. A pro-government supporter, welcomed the fee adjustments, stating, “Thanks to management for clarifying the costs. JFK has never been free, and knowing the charges helps families plan better. If President Boakai doesn’t meet the people’s expectations, they may prefer another leader.”
As public dissatisfaction grows, calls for urgent intervention from health authorities and government officials intensify.
The decision by JFKMC raises critical questions about healthcare access and affordability in Liberia, especially for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
Political pundits have blamed the Legislature for allotting peanuts to John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center in the national budget, thus creating a situation where the health facility cannot meet is obligation to deliver quality healthcare to the people.
These pundits want the Legislature to allot the adequate funds in the budget for the JFK Medical Center to meet the health needs of the people as Liberia’s premier referral health center in the country.
The ball is now in the court of the Ministry of Health and the President of Liberia to heed the people’s call by speedily intervening in other to truly rescue Liberians who may be in need of quality healthcare at the state-owned JFK Memorial Medical Center.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
