Monrovia, Liberia – Nimba County District #9 Representative Taa Z. Wongbe has sharply criticized the management of John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), accusing the country’s largest referral hospital of failing to adequately respond to the medical condition of a young Liberian woman identified as Jestina.
In a strongly worded public statement, Rep. Wongbe expressed frustration over what he described as weeks of silence, uncertainty, and delays surrounding Jestina’s treatment. He alleged that despite sustained advocacy by activist Will Debo and intervention by fellow lawmaker, Representative Sumo K. Mulbah, little progress has been made in addressing the case.
“Enough is enough. JFK is slowly becoming ‘Just For Killing,'” Wongbe wrote, arguing that the hospital’s handling of the matter reflects broader challenges within Liberia’s public healthcare system.
According to the lawmaker, Rep. Mulbah previously requested that JFK management and officials of the Ministry of Health appear before the House of Representatives to explain the circumstances surrounding Jestina’s condition. However, Wongbe claimed that the matter has stalled without any meaningful action.
He further alleged that commitments reportedly made by JFK to medically evacuate Jestina to India for specialized treatment have not been fulfilled, leaving her and her family in prolonged uncertainty.
Beyond Jestina’s case, Wongbe referenced reports of another patient’s death at JFK that was allegedly linked to negligence. While emphasizing that such allegations require independent verification, he argued that the public deserves a transparent investigation and clear answers from hospital authorities.
The lawmaker also rejected suggestions that funding constraints are responsible for the situation, noting that Liberia’s health sector budget was increased to approximately US$110 million this fiscal year. According to Wongbe, improving healthcare outcomes requires more than financial resources.
“Money alone does not save lives. Leadership, accountability, competence, and compassion do,” he stated.
Rep. Wongbe called for immediate action, including the appearance of JFK Chief Executive Officer Dr. Linda A. Birch and the hospital’s management team before the House of Representatives to provide a full account of the circumstances surrounding Jestina’s treatment. He also called for a transparent review of the use of public health resources and renewed efforts to facilitate Jestina’s medical evacuation for specialized care.
He praised civil society organizations, advocacy groups, and activist Will Debo for keeping public attention on the case, stressing that legislative oversight should focus on protecting the lives and dignity of Liberians rather than political interests.
Wongbe concluded by describing the matter as a test of public confidence in Liberia’s healthcare system, saying the country must ensure that every citizen receives timely, dignified, and quality medical care regardless of their social or economic status.
As of the time of publication, JFK Medical Center and the Ministry of Health had not publicly responded to Rep. Wongbe’s latest statement.
