National Health Assessment Team Reaches Southeastern Counties

Identifies Gaps and Progress in Greenville

The ongoing national health assessment has reached the southeastern region, with teams having completed work in Rivercess County and currently operating in Greenville, Sinoe County. This annual initiative of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), in collaboration with county health teams, aims to assess healthcare service delivery, regulatory compliance, and facility standards across the country.

The assessment has been strengthened through partnerships that ensure a coordinated approach to health system improvement. It can be recalled, during the tenure of Dr. Linda Birch, a strategic collaboration between the LMDC and the Ministry of Health (MOH) enabled the deployment of county-level health representatives to act as liaisons in regions where the LMDC does not have a permanent presence, due to limited human resources.

Despite notable progress, the team encountered significant logistical challenges. Several health facilities remain difficult to access due to off-road conditions in hard-to-reach areas and seasonal flooding. In Rivercess County, for instance, high water levels in the Cesto River prevented the team from crossing to certain areas.

The assessment identified some facilities providing health services without current LMDC accreditation. While these institutions play an important role in serving hard-to-reach populations, operating without proper registration raises regulatory and safety concerns.

However, due to the critical services these facilities provide in remote areas, immediate closure was deferred to ensure continuity of essential care. Provisional closure notices were issued, requiring the facilities to meet legal registration requirements within three weeks. County Clinical Supervisors (liaisons) were instructed to monitor compliance and, in cases of failure to meet the deadline, proceed with the shutdown of non-compliant operations.

The national health assessment is a crucial step in strengthening Liberia’s healthcare delivery system. It enables the government to:

– Identify gaps in regulatory compliance

– Ensure quality and safety in health services

– Enhance accountability and oversight

– Support strategic planning for health workforce deployment and infrastructure

Stay tuned for updates as the assessment continues, an essential step toward achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes nationwide.