Zwedru – The World Bank, through the Ministry of Health, has donated a brand new state-of-the-art ambulance to the Grand Gedeh County Health Team.
The ambulance which was turned over to Grand Gedeh County local authorities on Monday, November 16, at the administration building in Zwedru, was received by the County Health Officer Dr. Augustine Fannieh.
Speaking during the turnover ceremony, Dr. Fannieh disclosed that there is a rapid increase in the number of emergency cases at health facilities across the county.
He noted that recently Grand Gedeh County experienced an influx of Ivorian refugees who fled their country due to the ongoing political instability and have come to seek refuge in Liberia.
According to him, the fact that the refugees also attend health facilities in the county has created additional workload on the county health system.
Fannieh pointed out that over the years the county health team has been faced with numerous challenges including the lack of ambulances and drugs to meet up with the prevailing health situation.
He said the county has been managing three ambulances which were donated seven years ago and are currently in poor condition.
The CHO pointed out that based on persistent appeals to the ministry of health, the Government of Liberia has finally responded to address the situation.
Fannieh disclosed that the recently donated ambulance will be stationed at the Martha Tubman Hospital in Zwedru, while the other three will be stationed at the Gbarzon, Konobo and Putu Health Centers.
“Our desire is to see that the people of Grand Gedeh County get the quality health services they deserve,” Fannieh said.
Receiving the keys of the ambulance from the County Health Officer on behalf of the county authority, Mr. Paul T. Neeo, Sr, acting Superintendent for Grand Gedeh County, lauded the World Bank, the Liberian Government and County Health Team for responding to the plight of the people of the county.
“This is a clear indication that the Weah-led government is a people-centered one and thinking about Grand Gedeans,” Neeo pointed out.
Neeo, who referred to Dr. Fannieh as an innovative and visionary administrator, said that there has been tremendous improvement not only at the Martha Tubman Hospital but all health facilities and clinics across the county.
The ceremony was graced by several stakeholders and institutions including religious organizations, the traditional council, civil society organizations and representatives of line ministries and agencies.
