Senator Twayen demanded that the Ministry of Health address the issue of unfulfilled promises regarding the placement of health workers on the government payroll.
An intense debate erupted in the Liberian Senate over the delayed release of budgetary allocations to public health facilities, with senators accusing their colleagues of failing to exercise proper oversight and prioritizing personal gains over the welfare of the people.
By Obediah Johnson, [email protected]
The result has been a growing health crisis, with hundreds of Liberians dying from treatable medical conditions due to the lack of resources in health facilities across the country.
As of March 2025, only three of Liberia’s 15 counties have received between 85% and 90% of the budget allocated to their health sectors for Fiscal Year 2024. Despite the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2024, health facilities in 13 counties are still awaiting more than 30% of their allotted funds.
During the Senate’s regular session on Thursday, March 13, Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh raised concerns that, while the Senate Health Committee had been in discussions with the Ministries of Health and Finance, many health centers nationwide have not received their full allocation. He warned that the situation is threatening the country’s healthcare delivery system.
“No ambulance in Grand Kru”
Senator Numene Bartekwa of Grand Kru County echoed similar concerns, noting that health service delivery in his county is among the worst in Liberia. He revealed that despite efforts to increase the budgetary allocations to health facilities, the only referral hospital in Grand Kru, Rally Town Hospital, was allocated US$100,000, of which only US$20,000 has been received since January 2024.
Bartekwa described the situation as dire, explaining that the facility struggles to operate with insufficient funds, with no ambulance or transportation options available for emergency response.
“How does the hospital get gasoline to operate?” Bartekwa asked. He further lamented that half of the county’s 310 health workers, including physicians, nurses, and laboratory technicians, are volunteers. Without sufficient government support, many of these volunteers are discouraged from working in the region’s remote areas.
Senator Bartekwa called for urgent action, stressing that Grand Kru’s healthcare situation is an emergency that needs immediate attention from the government.
“Grand Kru doesn’t have an ambulance or motorcycle; our situation is very serious,” he said.
Dangerous Crisis Nationwide
Senator Jonathan Sogbie of River Gee County warned that the situation across the country is “dangerous,” noting that citizens already face serious financial challenges when attempting to access treatment at local healthcare facilities. He called on the Ministry of Health to provide accurate reports about whether or not the Ministry of Finance has been disbursing funds as intended.
Senator Nya Twayen of Nimba County also noted improvements in the distribution of medical supplies, but emphasized that the amounts are still insufficient for the needs of health facilities.
He expressed frustration over the ongoing issue of volunteer health workers not being paid, which resulted in the closure of clinics, such as the hospital in Sanniquellie, Nimba’s capital, due to health workers going on strike.
Senator Twayen demanded that the Ministry of Health address the issue of unfulfilled promises regarding the placement of health workers on the government payroll.
Health Sector Breakdown Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, co-chair of the Senate Health Committee, criticized the Ministry of Health’s failure to utilize the additional funds allocated to the sector in the previous year. He also expressed dismay over the leadership crisis within the ministry, calling on the executive branch to take action against those responsible for the country’s deteriorating healthcare system.
Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe from Bomi County also raised concerns over procurement processes, questioning the lack of visibility of medicines in public health facilities despite large sums being allocated for the purchase of drugs. He urged that the Senate thoroughly investigate the situation to determine the whereabouts of the funds and drugs allocated to the sector.
Calls for Immediate Action
Several senators expressed frustration at the lack of coordination among the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant agencies. Senator Saah Joseph of Montserrado County voiced disappointment at the Ministry’s claim that 95% of their allocated funds had been disbursed, while health centers continue to suffer from inadequate resources.
Senator Johnny Kpehe of Bong County emphasized that the health of the nation’s citizens is at risk, urging the Senate to act urgently to address the budgetary shortfalls and poor oversight.
Senator Nathaniel McGill of Margibi County demanded stronger enforcement of government accountability, criticizing public officials for failing to execute their duties effectively and urging the Senate to exercise its authority to ensure the release of necessary funds to health facilities.
Weak Oversight and Accountability
The crisis in Liberia’s health sector has long been exacerbated by weak oversight and a lack of accountability in the national legislature. Some lawmakers have been accused of prioritizing personal interests over the wellbeing of citizens, allowing public officials to disregard mandates from oversight committees.
This failure to act has contributed to the continued suffering of ordinary Liberians.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Senate has decided to summon authorities from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to appear before lawmakers next week to answer questions and provide reports on their actions regarding the delayed disbursement of funds.
Lawmakers are demanding performance and financial reports from the relevant agencies, including detailed documentation of drug procurement and distribution, as part of their efforts to hold the government accountable for the health crisis.
