By Grace Q. Bryant
The majority Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has proposed allocating between US$15 million and US$20 million in the upcoming national budget to transform the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC) into a modern healthcare facility.
His proposal comes in response to worsening conditions at the hospital, highlighted by the alarming revelation that its kitchen has become virtually non-functional, forcing families to rely on traditional coal pots for meal preparation.
During a tour of JFK Medical Center on Monday, March 3, 2025, Speaker Koon expressed deep concern over the hospital’s deteriorating state.
During his visit, Koon inspected key areas of the hospital, including the VIP suite under renovation, male and female wards, the surgical department, and the oxygen plant built with support from USAID.
He also reviewed the planned garbage collection site and water supply system.
He stressed the urgent need for modernization, emphasizing that Liberia must reduce its dependence on overseas medical treatment by improving local healthcare infrastructure.
According to him, healthcare should be a top priority in national budgets over the next five to six years.
He highlighted major deficiencies that, if addressed, could reduce the need for Liberians to travel abroad for medical treatment.
He expressed concern over the lack of essential medical equipment and the poor state of logistics at the hospital.
His goal is to include these improvements in the 2026 national budget as part of a long-term healthcare development initiative.
One of the most urgent issues he identified was the need for a new medical waste incinerator, which he said would cost between US$19,000 and US$20,000.
According to him, the hospital currently pays US$6,000 monthly for waste disposal, making it necessary to find a more sustainable solution.
He stressed the importance of addressing oxygen shortages in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), recalling a personal loss during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a lack of oxygen supply.
He emphasized that no Liberian should die from preventable conditions when the government has the resources to invest in the healthcare system.
Another priority for Koon is renovating a 1,500-capacity building currently occupied by students.
He proposed refurbishing the building so students could be relocated, allowing more space for patients at the hospital.
While acknowledging that his proposed improvements are unlikely to be included in the current budget, Koon said he would advocate for some funding through a supplementary budget.
However, his main focus remains on ensuring these investments are included in the 2026 budget to make JFK Hospital a state-of-the-art facility.
He urged his colleagues to prioritize healthcare infrastructure in the national budget, emphasizing that improving JFK Hospital would benefit all Liberians.
Koon assured the hospital’s leadership of the government’s commitment to making long-term investments in healthcare.
He emphasized that transforming JFKMC into a world-class medical institution is not just an ambition but a necessity for national development.
“The government must leave behind a legacy. We need to allocate resources to critical sectors that will bring meaningful change in the next five to six years,” Koon Stated.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to seeing these projects through, ensuring that healthcare in Liberia meets international standards.
Dr. Linda Birch, Chief Executive Officer of JFKMC, underscored the facility’s operational struggles.
She revealed that the hospital’s kitchen mainly used by patients’ families has become nearly unusable due to broken-down equipment and lack of maintenance. As a result, many patients’ relatives are resorting to outdated cooking methods, exacerbating their hardships.
“We are doing our best to provide essential services, but we need more support,” Dr. Birch stated.
She highlighted pressing issues such as the need for modern hospital beds, increased staff salaries, better transportation for health workers, and improved medical supplies.
She also emphasized that the kitchen’s deteriorating state is just one of many challenges the hospital faces, as staffing shortages and inadequate infrastructure continue to hinder its operations.
Established in 1971 and named after U.S. President John F. Kennedy, JFKMC has served as Liberia’s premier medical institution for over five decades. However, its current state raises serious concerns about its ability to continue fulfilling its role as the country’s leading referral hospital.
The proposed national budget for Fiscal Year 2025, presented by President Joseph Boakai, stands at US$880.7 million 15.3% higher than the 2024 recast budget of US$738.9 million.
A significant portion of this budget, approximately US$98 million, is allocated to public sector investment projects, with a major focus on infrastructure development, particularly road construction.
In the last fiscal year, JFK Medical Center received US$7.1 million for facility upgrades, medical equipment, and staff recruitment. Speaker Koon’s proposal to increase funding to as much as US$20 million represents a major shift in priorities, aiming to significantly improve the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
If approved, the proposed budgetary increase for JFK Medical Center will mark a significant step toward improving Liberia’s healthcare system. The additional funding will enable crucial upgrades, reduce the need for overseas medical referrals, and ensure that citizens receive quality healthcare services within the country.