By Sally S. Bryant Jr.
Gbarnga, Bong County – Tensions surrounding the ongoing crisis at Phebe Hospital have intensified, with concerned residents calling for the immediate reopening of the facility and the removal of Medical Director Dr. Minnie Sankawulo-Ricks.
A group of Concerned Women from Suakoko District on Thursday staged a peaceful protest, expressing frustration over the continued disruption of healthcare services at one of Bong County’s major referral hospitals.
The protest follows an indefinite go-slow action launched by health workers at Phebe Hospital, who have raised concerns over poor working conditions, administrative challenges, and other unresolved issues. The workers have also called for the resignation of some senior hospital officials, including Dr. Sankawulo-Ricks.
The ongoing industrial action has reportedly affected normal healthcare delivery at the hospital, leaving several patients without access to critical medical services and forcing many to seek treatment elsewhere.
During the demonstration, the Concerned Women of Suakoko District warned that the prolonged closure and reduced operations at Phebe Hospital pose serious risks to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, and elderly patients who rely heavily on the facility.
They appealed to the Government of Liberia to urgently intervene in the matter, restore full operations at the hospital, and address the concerns of health workers to prevent further suffering among residents.
Meanwhile, Bong County Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris has begun efforts to mediate the situation by engaging with representatives of the protesting women.
Superintendent Norris invited members of the Concerned Women of Suakoko District to her residence in Gbarnga, where discussions were held on finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The meeting focused on the impact of the healthcare disruption on residents and the importance of dialogue among hospital authorities, health workers, and government representatives.
Residents across Bong County and surrounding areas have continued to express concern over the prolonged interruption of services at Phebe Hospital, emphasizing that the facility plays a critical role in providing healthcare to thousands of people.
They are now calling for swift government action to resolve the dispute, restore healthcare services, and ensure stability at the hospital. As of press time, authorities from the Government of Liberia and Phebe Hospital management had not issued a formal response to the protesters’ demand for the removal of the Medical Director.
The situation remains closely monitored as stakeholders continue efforts to find a lasting solution to the growing crisis.
