By : P Uriah Suah | 0881137395
Ganta, Nimba County — Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has donated a brand-new X-ray machine to the Esther and Jereline Johnson (E&J) Hospital in Ganta, Nimba County, significantly boosting diagnostic and health service delivery at the facility.
The donation was disclosed during a program marking the turnover of office from Dr. Jerome Johnson to Dr. Karwulo Gbengein as Medical Director of the hospital on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Gbengein said the X-ray machine was donated by the Office of the Vice President and presented through Mr. Adolphus Tayn , Project Manager for the Office of the Vice President He explained that although the formal presentation was earlier announced, the actual delivery of the machine was completed this morning due to the project manager’s prior engagements.
Dr. Gbengein noted that the machine was officially presented in the presence of the County Health Officer, hospital staff, and members of the community. He described it as a brand-new machine, still wrapped in plastic, and expressed gratitude to Vice President Koung for the timely intervention.
“For a very long time, we have been referring patients to Ganta Hospital and other facilities for X-ray services,” Dr. Gbengein said. “With this donation, we will now be able to conduct X-ray examinations right here at E&J Hospital, allowing us to better serve our patients.”
He explained that the X-ray machine will enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capacity, particularly for patients with fractures, chest complications, lung congestion, and other conditions requiring imaging. According to him, this development will reduce referrals and improve patient care within the community.
Dr. Gbengein further used the occasion to appeal for additional support, including the provision of an ambulance for the hospital. He disclosed that the County Health Officer acknowledged the need for an ambulance in Bain Garr District, adding that E&J Hospital, as a government referral facility, would be willing to serve as custodian.
He also highlighted other pressing needs of the hospital, such as utility vehicles, motorbikes, additional anesthesia machines, patient monitors, oxygen concentrators, and laboratory equipment. On the use of the X-ray machine, Dr. Gbengein said installation is expected to begin immediately with the support of a technician from another facility, and full operation is anticipated by Monday.
Touching on maternal and child health, the Medical Director revealed that the hospital currently has two government-trained pediatric specialists who recently returned from training in Kenya. He emphasized the need to establish a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to care for critically ill newborns, noting that such a unit would require additional specialized equipment.
Dr. Gbengein concluded by calling on stakeholders, government institutions, and partners to continue supporting the hospital, describing E&J as a community and government-owned facility that serves the people of Nimba County.
He again expressed appreciation to Vice President Koung for what he termed a “timely and impactful donation.”
