By Bill W. Cooper
Reports say several healthcare workers in Lofa County have abandoned various facilities in protest over the appointment of Dr. Raphael Shamavu as the County Health Officer by Health Minister, Louise Kpoto.
According to information gathered, since the appointment of Dr. Shamavu, healthcare workers have been uneasy over his appointment, claiming that he is unfit for the position and lacks the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively lead the county’s healthcare system.
Dr. Shamavu, who believed to have a vast experience in public health management, was appointed as the county health officer; a move that has been met with widespread criticism and condemnation.
The decision to appoint Dr. Shamavu has led to a mass exodus of healthcare workers from several facilities across the county, with many citing concerns about his lack of leadership and direction.
Healthcare workers in Lofa, according to a local media report have accused Dr. Shamavu of incompetence and have raised concerns about his ability to effectively manage the county’s healthcare facilities and provide quality healthcare services to the residents of the county.
The aggrieved workers said they are against the appointment of Dr. Shamavu on grounds that he also lacks good working relationship; something which led to the go-slow action that started on Monday and saw several clinics without health workers.
The aggrieved workers further stressed that their actions will continue until Minister Kpoto takes immediate action to withdraw the appointment of Dr. Shamavu.
According to them, they do not have confidence in Dr. Shamavu’s ability to effectively lead the county’s healthcare system and provide quality healthcare services to the residents of the county.
They also highlighted the importance of having a qualified and experienced healthcare professional in the position of county health officer, and raised concerns about the potential consequences of having an incompetent leader in charge of the county’s healthcare system.
The aggrieved healthcare workers are also calling on President Joseph Boakai to prevail on his Health Minister to reconsider her decision and appoint a more qualified and experienced individual to the position of county health officer.
They are also calling for an investigation into the appointment process, demanding transparency and accountability in the selection of healthcare leaders in the county in the interest of the county inhabitants.
The aggrieved healthcare workers have vowed to continue their protest until their concerns are addressed and a more qualified and experienced individual is appointed to lead the county’s healthcare system.
