It’s utterly disheartening to witness the stark contrast between the compensation of our medical doctors and that of our politicians. While doctors struggle to make ends meet on a meager $1,200 monthly salary, supplemented by a paltry 100,000 Liberian dollars (approximately $500), politicians are lavished with exorbitant monthly allowances ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. And that’s not all – they also enjoy gas slips, quarterly allowances, vehicle compensation, and a plethora of other benefits that would make the average citizen’s jaw drop in astonishment.
By Sam Joe, Contributing Writer
The recent demand for $1 million to purchase vehicles for staff is nothing short of mind-boggling. When one tallies up the total cost of these perks, it’s enough to make one’s head spin. A colleague of mine aptly pointed out that the total amount is equivalent to two-thirds of our GDP. It’s a staggering figure that highlights the gross disparity in the way our resources are being allocated.
As a member of the Monrovia Medical & Professional Lion Club, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with our medical doctors, and I’ve seen firsthand their dedication, their passion, and their commitment to serving humanity. Despite their meagre pay, they continue to volunteer their time and expertise to provide medical services to those in need, often at great personal sacrifice.
Meanwhile, our politicians are living large, jet-setting around the world, and indulging in luxurious lifestyles at the expense of the taxpayer. It’s a travesty that while our doctors are struggling to make ends meet, our politicians are wallowing in excess. If only they could muster up a fraction of the courage and selflessness that these doctors exhibit every day, Liberia would be a better place for all its citizens.
I’m compelled to take off my hat to these dedicated medical professionals. Their selflessness and commitment to their craft are an inspiration to us all. It’s heartbreaking to see them scraping by using their meagre pay to purchase essential medical supplies, all while treating patients who are barely clinging to life. The image of them collecting their paltry pay to buy drugs for our compatriots living in abject poverty, just a stone’s throw away from the Capitol Building and the Executive Mansion, is a stark reminder of the priorities of our government.
Let us celebrate these unsung heroes, who toil in the trenches, often without fanfare or recognition. Let us honour their dedication and commitment to serving humanity. And let us demand that our politicians do the same – that they prioritize the needs of the people over their own selfish interests.
For the benefit of the reading public, please see below two years’ benefits analysis prepared by advocate Martin Kollie.
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