By Bill W. Cooper
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has officially launched a public bidding process for the renovation of the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) and several other projects poised to be undertaken by this year (2025).
This initiative, according to the NPHIL management team, is part of a broader strategy to enhance transparency and accountability in the public health services, as well as improve the nation’s capacity to respond to health emergencies.
The start of the process, which witnessed the presence of several stakeholders, including bidders and their representatives, was held yesterday, March 3, 2025, at the NPHIL headquarters in Congo Town.
NPHIL Director General, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, emphasized the urgency of the renovations of the NRL and noted, “The National Reference Laboratory is the backbone of our public health system. It is essential for diagnosing diseases, conducting research, and ensuring that we are prepared for any health emergencies that may arise.”
“So, this process will ensure that we hire a credible Liberian-owned company to carry out the renovation process because this renovation will not only improve our laboratory’s capabilities but also enhance our overall public health response,” he noted.
The NRL has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including outdated equipment, insufficient space, and inadequate facilities to handle the increasing volume of tests required for various diseases.
However, the NPHIL DG has further assured that the renovation of this facility and other projects aim to address these issues by upgrading laboratory equipment, expanding testing capabilities, and improving the overall infrastructure of the facility.
Dr Nyan then expressed gratitude for the support from the government, stating, “We are fortunate to have the backing of our government, especially both House’s Health Committee Chairpersons who recognize the importance of investing in our health system.”
Meanwhile, the ongoing public bidding process is open to local contractors with experience in laboratory construction and renovation and vehicle maintenance, among others, as the selection criteria will focus on the bidders’ experience, technical capabilities, and financial stability.
Also in remarks, NPHIL Deputy Director General for Technical Services, Dr. Julius S.M. Gilayeneh, highlighted the importance of transparency in the bidding process and said, “We are committed to ensuring that this process is open and transparent.”
He also disclosed that NPHIL has also established a dedicated committee to oversee the bidding process, ensuring that all proposals are evaluated fairly and that the selected contractor meets the necessary qualifications.
Dr Gilayeneh also disclosed that in addition to the renovation of the NRL, NPHIL is also embarking on several other health projects aimed at strengthening the country’s public health system, and asserted, “And we are doing this because we want to engage with reputable contractors who can deliver quality work that meets our standards.”
Speaking on behalf of the bidders, BLECO Group Representative Meaway S. Barlea, thanked the NPHIL for what he described as a “transparent, fair and more competitive” bidding process he has ever participated in, pledging that they will accept any outcome following the final vesting.
