By : P Uriah Suah| 0881137395
Ganta, Nimba County – The newly assigned Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of the Esther and Jereline (E&J) Medical Hospital, Dr. Karwulo Gbengein, has pledged to elevate healthcare services at the facility as he officially takes over leadership. Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Dr. Gbengein expressed delight about returning home after years of service across several counties and health centers in Liberia.
Dr. Gbengein described his appointment to E&J Hospital as “a promotion and an opportunity to serve the people of this side of Liberia.” He recounted his extensive medical journey, which began at JFK Medical Center in Monrovia, followed by service in Margibi, Lofa, and Nimba counties, including a previous stint at E&J Hospital.
He revealed that the government’s Community Revolving Drug Fund has helped stabilize the supply of essential medication. The hospital recently procured over 900,000 water drops worth of essential drugs to avoid stock-outs, ensuring that no patient is turned away due to lack of medication.
However, the hospital still struggles with a nonfunctional incinerator for medical waste disposal, which he described as a “major sanitation challenge.” He said experts have been contacted and a site identified for the construction of a modern incinerator.
The new CMO disclosed that although the hospital was allotted $100,000 in the national budget, only $25,000 has been disbursed so far. He confirmed that liquidation reports have been submitted and expressed hope that the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance will release the balance soon to enable the facility to address critical operational needs.
Dr. Gbengein lamented the lack of an ambulance, utility vehicle, or even a motorbike for outreach programs. “This is a bigger facility, yet we do not have an ambulance to respond to emergencies,” he said, appealing to the government and well-meaning citizens for support.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Gbengein assured that the hospital has sufficient manpower to handle major cases, including three midwives, an obstetric clinician trained in emergency surgical procedures, and two physician assistants.
“No patient will say they came to ENJ and were only given a prescription without treatment,” he assured.Responding to public misconceptions that ENJ is a political hospital, Dr. Gbengein clarified that the facility is wholly government-owned and serves all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
Dr. Gbengein hopes to make E&J Hospital the number one choice for healthcare in Nimba County. He stressed that government facilities offer unique advantages that private institutions do not , such as free consultation, a 60% discount on drugs, and non-profit service delivery.
The new CMO vowed to work closely with government authorities, community stakeholders, and partner organizations to ensure that ENJ Hospital meets the health needs of the people of Nimba County and beyond.
