Monrovia – In the heart of Grand Cape Mount County, the appointment of Delino J. Kollie as County Health Services Administrator has sparked an intense debate, stirring emotions and concerns about the future of healthcare in the region.
By Selma Lomax
Kollie, a nurse by profession with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, was recently chosen to replace Jonah Tokpah, who served as administrator for several years.
While Tokpah was widely respected for his leadership, Kollie’s appointment has not been met with the same approval.
Instead, it has ignited criticism from the county’s residents and its political leaders, most notably Senator Dabah Varpilah, who serves as the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Health.
In a strongly-worded letter to Madam Morris, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Health, who influenced Kollie’s appointment, Senator Varpilah voiced grave concerns over Kollie’s qualifications.
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
The senator questioned whether Kollie had the necessary administrative skills and experience to take on such a significant role, as he lacks the requisite background in public administration and health services management — two key components the Ministry’s guidelines stress for the position.
While Kollie’s medical expertise as a nurse has been acknowledged, the absence of administrative training, coupled with his minimal managerial experience — mainly in managing a drugstore — has raised red flags.
The role of a County Health Services Administrator requires expertise in health management, financial oversight, and strategic leadership, areas where critics argue Kollie falls short.
The controversy surrounding Kollie’s appointment has rapidly dominated public discourse in Grand Cape Mount County.
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.
Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, emphasizing that effective management is essential to improving healthcare delivery, particularly in a region benefiting from key health projects like the FARA project. Without proper financial management and administrative skills, they argue, the county’s health services could be at risk.
“The health services administrator is not just a healthcare professional; they must be able to manage budgets, make strategic decisions, and lead a team,” said one local resident. “We need someone with a proven track record in managing health systems, not just someone with a nursing background.”
This sentiment has resonated strongly throughout the county, leading to vocal opposition against Kollie’s appointment. In fact, some residents have even threatened to organize protests if authorities proceed with the appointment, further fueling tensions in an already divisive situation.
Senator Varpilah, who represents Grand Cape Mount County in the Liberian Senate, has called for a comprehensive assessment of Kollie’s qualifications before any further steps are taken.
The senator’s call reflects growing fears about the lack of qualified leadership in local healthcare services. Citing delays in accessing government health budgets and ongoing challenges with financial mismanagement at county health offices, Sen. Varpilah has made it clear that Grand Cape Mount County cannot a poorly-qualified administrator.
In her letter to Minister Morris, Varpilah also requested an urgent meeting with the Ministry’s officials to discuss the issue. However, the meeting, scheduled for February 20, 2025, was postponed as Deputy Minister Morris was unavailable due to national duties abroad.
FrontPageAfrica understands that this delay has added to the frustration of the senator and local residents, who feel their concerns have not been taken seriously by the Ministry of Health.
The role of County Health Services Administrator is not just a title — it is a critical position that directly impacts the health and well-being of entire communities. Citizens are demanding that the Ministry of Health not only consider the technical qualifications of candidates but also their ability to manage resources effectively and lead complex healthcare systems.
Locals have pointed out that there are several qualified individuals from Grand Cape Mount County and throughout Liberia who could step into this role, bringing the necessary skills and experience to move the county’s health services forward.
As the controversy continues to unfold, tensions remain high, and the question of who will ultimately take charge of Grand Cape Mount County’s health services remains unanswered. What is clear is that the county’s residents are unwilling to accept anything less than competent, skilled leadership.
