-As he lays first brick for new Redemption Hospital
–Off to Attend 53rd ECOWAS Summit in Togo
President George Manneh Weah has said improving the country’s healthcare delivery system is at the top of the administration’s infrastructural development agenda.
Speaking near Monrovia over the weekend, President Weah said this is evidenced by the series of prompt interventions he has started to make relative to the construction of medical facilities to give Liberians unhindered and easy access to healthcare services.
The Liberian leader laid the first brick for the construction of the new Redemption Hospital in Caldwell, becoming the first Liberian President to break ground for the construction of two state-of-the-art hospitals to add to existing medical centers with just six months in office. The first being the 14 Military Hospital in Schiefflin outside Monrovia.
Speaking at the brick-laying ceremony, the President reflected on the critical role of the Redemption Hospital in the Borough of New Kru Town in serving the health needs of the people, but noted the facility is no longer spacious enough to cope with the growing number of people it is catering to daily.
According to the Liberian leader, the new Health facility will contain 155 bedrooms and also serve as a referral, teaching and training hospital for medical practitioners in the country, in addition to the 14 Military Hospital, which is already under construction, an Executive Mansion press release says.
President Weah said he strongly believes that the Liberian people deserve a better healthcare delivery service and improved health sector, which he said the government is committed to providing through its Pro-Poor development agenda.
The Liberian Chief Executive noted that he is aware of the difficulties and constraints health workers and the health sector are faced with, and pledged that his government through its Pro-Poor Agenda would ensure the improvement of the health sector.
President Weah historicized that his desire to serve the people of Liberia grew while visiting Rome, in Italy in 1995. “I made a commitment in Rome in 1995 to help change the lives of my people; though it’s challenging but I can overcome those challenges to help my people,” President Weah declared.
The President appreciated former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for initiating the plan. The World Bank is aiding the government with the construction of the New Redemption Hospital, committing US$14 Million.
Earlier, President Weah cut the ribbon and toured the renovated facility of the John F. Kennedy Medical Memorial Hospital as part of the Hospital’s 47 Founder’s Day.
Pres Weah and First Lady Clar Weah greet JFK Medical Director, Dr Jerry Browne as Health Minister Dr Jallah looks on
Meanwhile, President Weah has departed the country today for Lome, Togo, to attend the 53rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
While away, Hon. Nathaniel Farlo McGill, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President, will Chair the affairs of the Cabinet in close consultation with the Vice President, Madame Jewel Howard Taylor and via telephone conversation with the President.
President Weah is expected to return on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.
