Monrovia – In the center of Grand Cape Mount County, the appointment of Delino J. Kollie as County Health Services Administrator has sparked an intense debate, stirring feelings and considerations about the way forward for healthcare within the area.
By Selma Lomax
Kollie, a nurse by career with a Bachelor’s diploma in nursing, was just lately chosen to switch Jonah Tokpah, who served as administrator for a number of years.
While Tokpah was extensively revered for his management, Kollie’s appointment has not been met with the identical approval.
Instead, it has ignited criticism from the county’s residents and its political leaders, most notably Senator Dabah Varpilah, who serves because the Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Health.
In a strongly-worded letter to Madam Morris, Deputy Minister for Administration on the Ministry of Health, who influenced Kollie’s appointment, Senator Varpilah voiced grave considerations over Kollie’s {qualifications}.
The senator questioned whether or not Kollie had the mandatory administrative abilities and expertise to tackle such a big function, as he lacks the requisite background in public administration and well being companies administration — two key parts the Ministry’s pointers stress for the place.
While Kollie’s medical experience as a nurse has been acknowledged, the absence of administrative coaching, coupled together with his minimal managerial expertise — primarily in managing a drugstore — has raised pink flags.
The function of a County Health Services Administrator requires experience in well being administration, monetary oversight, and strategic management, areas the place critics argue Kollie falls quick.
The controversy surrounding Kollie’s appointment has quickly dominated public discourse in Grand Cape Mount County.
Residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the choice, emphasizing that efficient administration is crucial to enhancing healthcare supply, notably in a area benefiting from key well being initiatives just like the FARA undertaking. Without correct monetary administration and administrative abilities, they argue, the county’s well being companies could possibly be in danger.
“The health services administrator is not just a healthcare professional; they must be able to manage budgets, make strategic decisions, and lead a team,” stated one native resident. “We need someone with a proven track record in managing health systems, not just someone with a nursing background.”
This sentiment has resonated strongly all through the county, resulting in vocal opposition in opposition to Kollie’s appointment. In truth, some residents have even threatened to arrange protests if authorities proceed with the appointment, additional fueling tensions in an already divisive state of affairs.
Senator Varpilah, who represents Grand Cape Mount County within the Liberian Senate, has known as for a complete evaluation of Kollie’s {qualifications} earlier than any additional steps are taken.
The senator’s name displays rising fears in regards to the lack of certified management in native healthcare companies. Citing delays in accessing authorities well being budgets and ongoing challenges with monetary mismanagement at county well being places of work, Sen. Varpilah has made it clear that Grand Cape Mount County can’t a poorly-qualified administrator.
In her letter to Minister Morris, Varpilah additionally requested an pressing assembly with the Ministry’s officers to debate the difficulty. However, the assembly, scheduled for February 20, 2025, was postponed as Deputy Minister Morris was unavailable as a consequence of nationwide duties overseas.
FrontPageAfrica understands that this delay has added to the frustration of the senator and native residents, who really feel their considerations haven’t been taken severely by the Ministry of Health.
The function of County Health Services Administrator isn’t just a title — it’s a crucial place that instantly impacts the well being and well-being of complete communities. Citizens are demanding that the Ministry of Health not solely think about the technical {qualifications} of candidates but additionally their means to handle sources successfully and lead advanced healthcare methods.
Locals have identified that there are a number of certified people from Grand Cape Mount County and all through Liberia who may step into this function, bringing the mandatory abilities and expertise to maneuver the county’s well being companies ahead.
As the controversy continues to unfold, tensions stay excessive, and the query of who will finally take cost of Grand Cape Mount County’s well being companies stays unanswered. What is evident is that the county’s residents are unwilling to just accept something lower than competent, expert management.