By Stephanie M. Duncan
The crisis at Phebe Hospital continues to escalate as residents of Suakoko District, including a group of concerned women, staged a protest demanding the dismissal of the Medical Director of the Hospital.
The call for the dismissal of the medical director coming from residents of nearby towns is one of the latest demands that could prolong the strike action that has already crippled operations at the Hospital and even undermining effective service delivery at other health facilities in the county.
Few days ago, it was reported that the C.B. Dunbar Hospital in Gbarnga was experiencing “unprecedented” patients surge as a result of the protest at Phebe, a major health facility.
Slogans-chanting, placards-carrying concerned women of Suakoko called for Dr. Minnie Sankawulo-Ricks step down to safe people from dying, and the facility is reopened.
The demonstration comes amid an indefinite go-slow action launched earlier this week by health workers, who say they are protesting worsening working conditions and administrative challenges at the hospital. Among their key demands is the resignation of senior hospital administrators, including Dr. Ricks.
The protesters accused the hospital’s leadership of contributing to the ongoing crisis, which they say has disrupted healthcare services and placed the lives of residents at risk.
The indefinite industrial action has significantly affected operations at Phebe Hospital, leaving many patients without access to essential medical care. Some patients have reportedly been forced to seek treatment at other health facilities in and around Bong County.
Members of the Concerned Women of Suakoko said the prolonged disruption of services is threatening the well-being of families across the district. They urged the Government of Liberia to act swiftly to resolve the dispute, reopen the hospital, and ensure residents regain access to critical healthcare services.
The protesters also called for the immediate removal of Dr. Sankawulo-Ricks, arguing that new leadership is needed to restore confidence in the hospital and address the concerns raised by healthcare workers.
Phebe Hospital serves as one of the largest referral health facilities in central Liberia, providing medical services to thousands of people in Bong and neighboring counties.
Residents warned that the continued shutdown of the institution could have serious consequences for patients requiring emergency and specialized care.
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