Monroviaย โ The administration of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Heart (JFKMC) in Monrovia has introduced a rise in maternity service charges and the cancellation of free healthcare for youngsters underneath 5, prompting widespread criticism from Liberian residents.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey, [emailย protected]
In a memorandum dated July 16, 2025, signed by CEO Dr. Linda A. Birch and addressed to the hospitalโs Chief Monetary Officer, Mr. Joseph Massah, JFKMC outlined new registration charges for maternity companies.
This transfer follows an earlier directive in Might 2025, which canceled all free remedy for youngsters underneath 5, triggering considerations about entry to healthcare for Liberiaโs most weak populations.
The most recent memo particulars a brand new price schedule for Caesarean sections, together with an admission price of $25 (for 1-5 days), a surgical price of $90, intraoperative drugs and provides costing $65, and routine labs at $20, amounting to a complete of $200. The hospital mandated that each one sufferers should deposit the desired quantities earlier than present process surgical procedure, with receipts to be documented in sufferersโ charts.
โWe remorse any inconvenience this may increasingly trigger you,โ the memo reads.
Moreover, JFKMC introduced that each one different companies can be billed as ordered, efficient July 15, 2025.
Nonetheless, the newest transfer has drawn sharp criticism from Liberians, a lot of whom argue that the price hikes and elimination of free companies threaten the well being and lives of moms and youngsters.
Wanton Teah Wantoe, a vocal critic of the ruling Unity Social gathering-led authorities, condemned the choice, stating, โKids who as soon as obtained remedy free of charge are actually being turned away if their mother and father can not pay. Liberia already ranks among the many worst on this planet for under-five mortality. These insurance policies are costing lives.โ
Wantoe known as on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to intervene, emphasizing that the current insurance policies don’t align with the federal governmentโs supposed โRescue Missionโ and warning of a harmful regression that endangers maternal and youngster well being.
Dashie Zeabo, a Liberian opined, โSo, these persons are telling us it’s too costly to present beginning? Anyway, Thatโs a one other demise sentence, coming from rescue.โ
Siah J. Tandanpolie, a outstanding political determine, expressed concern over the scenario, questioning whether or not investigations are underway into the hospitalโs monetary practices.
โWhat is going to non-public hospitals or clinics do if JFKMC continues on this path?โ She requested.
Rufus Aguero Harris, one other Liberian citizen, shared a tragic account of non-public loss, revealing, โI paid US$150 for a C-section this June, excluding different charges. Sadly, my new child and my accomplice didn’t survive because of lack of correct care. I misplaced my youngster and my girlfriend in simply ten days.โ
Opposition determine Moriah Yeakula-Korkpor criticized the transfer, saying, โJFK shouldn’t be solely growing charges for maternal care but in addition cancelling free healthcare for youngsters underneath 5. Infants would possibly die; poor households will endure. But, the generator makes $3,600, however they willโt enhance the price range to cowl these prices? Who is actually being rescued right here?โ
Whereas many voters specific outrage, some supporters of the federal government provide a special perspective. Max G. Kollie, a pro-government supporter, welcomed the price changes, stating, โBecause of administration for clarifying the prices. JFK has by no means been free, and understanding the costs helps households plan higher. If President Boakai doesnโt meet the individualsโs expectations, they could want one other chief.โ
As public discontent grows, requires pressing intervention from well being authorities and authorities officers intensify. The choice by JFKMC raises essential questions on healthcare entry and affordability in Liberia, particularly for the nationโs most weak populations.
