MONROVIA — In Grand Cape Mount County, a storm of discontent is brewing after the Ministry of Health’s recent appointment of Delino Kollie as the new County Health Services Administrator.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The decision, influenced by Deputy Minister for Administration Martha Morris last week, has sparked a wave of protests from local residents, with some even threatening to resist his takeover tomorrow.
Kollie, a nurse with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, has been selected to replace Jonah Tokpah, a long-serving administrator who had spent over four years in the position.
While Tokpah had earned the respect of many in the county, Kollie’s appointment has left many residents questioning the qualifications required for such a critical role.
According to the Ministry of Health’s established guidelines, a County Health Services Administrator should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, business, or a related field, along with at least three to five years of experience in health administration.
Furthermore, the person should have experience managing direct reports. Kollie, however, lacks these qualifications. His background is primarily in nursing, and while he has managed a drugstore over the years, his credentials do not align with the Ministry’s standard for the role.
The Ministry of Health’s framework is designed to ensure specialized leadership within each department. For instance, the Department of Health Services is headed by a Medical Doctor, while the Department of Research and Policy requires a Development Specialist. The Department of Administration, which is the key area of concern in this case, should ideally be led by an individual with expertise in public administration or finance.
Local residents have voiced their concern that Kollie does not meet the necessary qualifications for the role. Many argue that the position demands a solid understanding of health administration and financial management, not just nursing experience.
“This is an important position for the county’s health services, and we need someone who is properly trained in administration, not just healthcare,” said one local resident, echoing the sentiment of many others.
The growing dissatisfaction has caught the attention of Senator Dabah Varpilah, who represents Grand Cape Mount County and chairs the Senate Committee on Health.
Senator Varpilah has called for an immediate review of the appointment, requesting a meeting with Ministry of Health officials to clarify the standards and procedures followed in selecting Kollie for the role. “We cannot afford to have someone in this position without the proper qualifications,” she emphasized.
Despite the mounting opposition from the county and the intervention of Senator Varpilah, Deputy Minister Martha Morris has expressed her determination to proceed with Kollie’s appointment. She has stated that Kollie has been carefully considered for the role and that the Ministry stands by its decision.
As tensions rise in Grand Cape Mount County, it remains to be seen whether the residents’ protests will have any impact on the Ministry’s decision or if Kollie will take up his new post as planned.
For now, the controversy continues to unfold, casting uncertainty over the future of health administration in the county.
