By Staff Writer
Buchanan, Grand Bassa County — The Joint Legislative Committee on Health of the 55th Legislature has commenced a nationwide assessment of government health facilities to evaluate progress made and identify gaps affecting healthcare delivery across Liberia ahead of the 2027 national budget.
The assessment began in Grand Bassa County on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and is being led by the Committee Chairperson, Senator Dabah M. Varpilah of Grand Cape Mount County.
Speaking at the start of the tour, Senator Varpilah asserted that the committee wants to “see beyond the written reports what the real issues at government health facilities and to engage County Health Teams on their priorities ahead of the next fiscal year.”
She explained that the exercise is intended to give lawmakers a firsthand understanding of conditions at health facilities and the priorities of County Health Teams as the Legislature prepares to consider the next fiscal year’s budget.
Members of the delegation include Senators Numene Bartekwa of Grand Kru, Johnny Kpehe of Bong County, Botoe Kanneh of Gbarpolu County, Wellington Geevon-Smith of River Cess County, Thomas Yaya Nimely of Grand Gedeh County, and Representative Sampson Weah of River Gee County.
According to Senator Varpilah, the committee will review budget performance, staffing, especially the protracted issue of volunteer health workers, logistics, medical supplies and the delivery of healthcare services to the counties. The committee will also document existing services, relevant data and ongoing initiatives, while proposing mitigation actions where necessary.
“We are here to establish the facts, understand the context, and ensure that our 2027 budget decisions are informed by what is happening on the ground,” she stated.
During a meeting with county health authorities in Buchanan, officials raised concerns over the high number of volunteer health workers, limited logistical support and inadequate funding for the health sector.
They, however, acknowledged that some volunteer health workers have been hired since January 2026 and called on the Legislature to increase employment opportunities in the health sector and boost health allocations in the 2027 national budget.
Officials said addressing the staffing shortage and improving financial and logistical support would be critical to strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved communities across the county.
Grand Bassa County Superintendent Garyou Johnson also highlighted several projects being implemented in the county with national government support. “Among the major gains we have achieved in Grand Bassa County are the construction of a modern referral hospital, the upgrading of local government health facilities across the county, and increased budgetary support from the national government,” Superintendent Johnson said.
Following the discussions, the legislative delegation toured key government health facilities in Buchanan, including the Liberia Government Hospital, County Drugs Depot and Doctors’ Quarters. The inspection is aimed at giving lawmakers a firsthand view of the conditions at the facilities, staffing levels, availability of medical supplies, logistical constraints and other challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
The nationwide assessment is expected to provide the Joint Legislative Committee on Health with information that will help shape legislative discussions and budgetary decisions concerning the health sector in the 2027 national budget.
