The Ministry of Health has constituted a taskforce to probe into missing drugs donated by international partners in recent years.
Addressing a press conference in Monrovia on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, Health Minster, Dr. Louise Kpoto disclosed that the goal of the investigation is to build a healthcare system that operates with transparency and accountability, focusing on quality patient care and provision of a conducive working environment for dedicated service providers.
Dr. Kpoto said the mandate of the taskforce is to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the health sector, both public and private to identify and document the challenges and bottlenecks that have been hindering the provision of quality health services to citizens.
She laid particular emphasis on monitoring of the distribution and appropriate utilization of medicines and medicinal products provided by both donors and government to public healthcare institutions.
The Taskforce is headed by the chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), Dr. Davis Sumo.
The Membership includes representatives from the Liberia Medical and Dental Council, Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), the Liberia Pharmacy Board, the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the Ministry of Justice, the National Health Workers Union of Liberia (NAHWUOL), the Independent Health Taskforce of Liberia.
“This diverse composition will ensure a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the systemic challenges that bedevil the health sector. The Task Force will work diligently to identify the root causes of issues such as, diversion, and misappropriation of medicines and medical supplies designated for our hospitals and clinics”, Dr. Kpoto revealed.
The Health Minster further mentioned that she is confident that the work of the National Health Sector Taskforce will pave the way for a good healthcare system under the Boakai-Koung Government.
