Madam Martha Morris’ decision to appoint Delino Kollie, a nurse, as Health Services Administrator, has been rejected by Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah Varpilah and locals
Monrovia – A decision by the Deputy Minister for Administration of the Ministry of Health, Martha Morris, to appoint Delino J. Kollie as County Health Services Administrator for Grand Cape Mount County has sparked widespread opposition from both local residents and the county’s senator, Dabah Varpilah.
By Selma Lomax/ [email protected]
The appointment, which was made to replace Jonah Tokpah, a well-respected administrator who served for over four years, has raised serious questions about Kollie’s qualifications for such a critical role.
Kollie, a nurse by profession with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, lacks the administrative background required for the position.
While the Ministry of Health’s guidelines specify that the County Health Services Administrator should possess a degree in Public Administration or a related field, along with significant experience in health administration, Kollie’s background is primarily in nursing.
His limited managerial experience, mainly in running a drugstore, does not align with the Ministry’s standards for overseeing health administration, a key component of effective county health services.
The controversy surrounding the appointment has dominated public discourse in Grand Cape Mount County, with many residents expressing dissatisfaction. In response to mounting concerns and media reports, Senator Dabah Varpilah, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Health, formally requested the suspension of Kollie’s appointment in a letter to the Ministry of Health on February 19, 2025.
The senator argued that the appointment should be put on hold until a thorough review of Kollie’s qualifications is conducted, given the significance of the role in managing county health services and finances, particularly with the FARA project, which demands effective financial oversight.
The senator’s call for a pause on Kollie’s appointment underscores the need for an individual with the proper administrative skills to ensure smooth management of county health services and financial reporting.
Amid growing discontent, local residents have echoed the senator’s concerns, emphasizing that the appointment of a health administrator requires not only knowledge of healthcare but also expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and resource allocation.
While the Ministry of Health’s guidelines specify that the County Health Services Administrator should possess a degree in Public Administration or a related field, along with significant experience in health administration, Kollie’s background is primarily in nursing.
While they acknowledge Kollie’s experience as a nurse, they argue that his lack of administrative skills makes him unsuitable for the role. Many community members have called for the ministry to reconsider Kollie’s appointment, urging that someone with a proven track record in health services management be selected instead.
The controversy has led to threats of protests in the county, with citizens vowing to resist Kollie’s appointment if the authorities move forward with it against their wishes.
Additionally, the situation has raised questions about transparency and the process behind the appointment, with Senator Varpilah reportedly seeking clarity from health officials but receiving no response as of yet.
The matter remains unresolved as the community continues to call for a competent and qualified person to manage the county’s health services and ensure the success of health initiatives that affect the well-being of its residents.
