The former Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines & Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA), Keturah Smith-Chineh, has been recognized with the “Outstanding Regulatory Pharmacy Practice Award” by the Pharmaceutical Association of Liberia (PAL) for her exemplary leadership of the authority.
The award was presented to Dr. Smith-Chineh during PAL’s annual retreat in Ganta, Nimba County.
Appointed by former President George Manneh Weah in October 2019, Dr. Smith-Chineh served as Managing Director until 2023, succeeding Dr. David Sumo.
Under her leadership, significant advancements were made, including the construction of a mini-quality control lab and the establishment of a state-of-the-art ultra-modern Quality Control Laboratory and the procurement of essential equipment for both the LMHRA and the lab.
PAL highlighted Dr. Smith-Chineh’s efforts in enhancing visibility and trust in young pharmacists, particularly women, empowering them for leadership roles within Liberia’s healthcare system.
Her administration also facilitated the acquisition of two 38-seater coastal buses for the head office and QC Lab, a mini-bus for the regional office, and two land cruiser jeeps for the second and third regional offices.
Dr. Smith-Chineh oversaw the transition of staff to the Government of Liberia National Payroll under the Harmonization Policy and secured two new Toyota land cruiser jeeps from the Global Fund, through a grant; along with five Renault Duster jeeps for the authority’s Directors.
She also played a key role in hiring young pharmacists as regulators and implementing various regulatory guidelines and policies for Liberia’s pharmaceutical sector.
Dr. Smith-Chineh expressed gratitude to former President Weah for the opportunity to serve at a young age, noting that in many parts of Africa, including Liberia, young people often wait until they are much older to take on leadership roles.
She thanked the event organizers and those who voted for her, saying, “Thank you for lifting my spirit with so much pride and honor.”
Reflecting on her leadership style, she acknowledged that some viewed her as strict but maintained, “I don’t regret being that way. It yielded immense results, priceless respect, and legacies.”
