-Dr. Menlee Gboo debunks profit over patients’ care claims
BY: Shallon S.Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY — The Medical Director of the G.W.Harley in Sanniquellie, Nimba County has categoraly refuted citizens perception, which alleges the hospital’s unethical practices that prioritized profit over patients’ care.
Appearing on a local radio station breadfast early Tuesday morning, Dr. Menlee Gboo said public statements about the hospital involvement in unethical malpractices is far from the truth, and termed as”baseless and counterproductive”.
Dr. Gboo however warned citizens to desist from politicizing health issues and they could be denied medical care if they exhibit offensive conduct.
The Medical Director at the G.W. Harley Hospital in Sanniquellie announced the hospital’s rules for its ‘inclusive environment’.
Earlier, indoor and outdoor patients including citizens and residents of Nimba County accused the government-run health facility for unethical practices, black marketing of medicines and other medical equipment to patients attending the facility.
Meanwhile, Dr. Gboo frowns on the citizens, added that body language and tone of voice are important parts of communication, stressing that the hospital is against unethical malpractices and black marketing of medicines.
In an interview on Radio Sehnwai early morning breadfast show, the George Waye Harley Hospital Medical Director states that racist, discriminatory, hostile or harassing words or actions are not welcome.
According to him, having served 3 years as media director at the hospital; he took action against a doctor who was allegedly involved in “unethical activities” including black marketing of medicines, a decision he said drove the health practitioner from the bailiwake of the hospital.
The Medical Director warned of stringent actions against those who work against the hospital ethics.
Making comments on recent media report about babies’ mother’s detention at the health facility due to hospital bill, Dr. Gboo confirmed that these women are required to pay their hospital fee before they can be discharged and return to their homes.
WomenVoices March 20, 2024 publication reported that dozens of women who have recently given birth at government health facilities in Nimba County are currently reportedly being held captive as they are unable to cover their hospital expenses.
This paper was hinted that these women have been made to remain detained at local health facilities and referral hospitals across the county due to financial constraints.
As we can recalled, this practice goes against the established framework set by Liberia’s Ministry of Health and its partners, aimed at promoting childbirth in healthcare facilities.
This revelation appears more vivid, considering cases of recent mothers who are still being held in medical custody at various government-run health centers, despite giving birth a month ago. Reports indicate that these women are required to pay a hospital fee of at least $15,000.00 LD before they can be discharged and return to their homes.
Sources familiar with the matter, including individuals within the healthcare sector in the county, have highlighted the persistent violation of women’s rights in such facilities. An example cited is that of a young woman in her early 20s who was admitted at the G.W. Harley Hospital in Sanniquellie City, facing pregnancy complications necessitating urgent medical intervention, possibly surgical, to safely deliver her baby.
Despite receiving treatment initially without any upfront charges, she was detained at the health center as of February 2024 due to her inability to settle the hospital bill.
