KAKATA—Mr. Urias W. Brooks, Jr., chief executive officer of the Youth Movement for Collective Action (UMOVEMENT), a non-governmental and non-for-profit organization, has expressed disappointment over the Joseph Boakai-led government failure to allocate funding in the 2024 Draft National Budget for the reconstruction of the burnt Charles Henry Memorial Hospital in Margibi County.
By Yawah Y. Jaivey
It can be recalled on August 15, 2021, Margibi County biggest public referral Charles Henry Memorial Hospital in Kakata was gutted by fire that burnt down completely the building that housed the hospital’s operating theater, emergency room, inpatient pharmacy, finance office and records section, along with other administrative and other support functions for the hospital.
Since then the hospital reconstruction process remains stalled despite the former Liberian President George M. Weah breaking ground and promising the people of Margibi County that the project would have immediately kickoff.
The Youth Movement for Collective Action (UMOVEMENT) Chief Executive Officer in an open letter dated March 25, 2024, addressed to President Joseph N. Boakai raised concern over the recent budgetary decision of the executive not to allocate funding regarding the renovation of C.H. Rennie Memorial Hospital in the 2024 Draft National Budget submitted to members of the National Legislature.
He said: “While I understand the challenges faced in allocating funds, the absence of provisions for such a vital project deeply troubles me. Despite previous correspondence urging you to prioritize the allocation of funds for the construction of this vital national referral health center in the FY2024 Draft National Budget, it is with great disappointment that I must inform you that such provisions have not been made. As you are aware, the devastating fire that engulfed and reduced the C.H. Rennie Hospital to ashes has had catastrophic consequences for the people of Margibi County.”
“Since the incident, countless lives, including those of innocent children and women, have been lost due to the lack of adequate healthcare facilities to address their urgent medical needs,” he disclosed.
His words: “Running a health system without a functioning referral hospital poses a grave danger to the lives and well-being of our citizens, and the negative implications of this situation cannot be overstated. Mr. President, we cannot afford to delay addressing this dire situation any longer. The people of Margibi County are suffering, and they deserve better”.
He is at the same time urging the Government of Liberia to take immediate action to rebuild the Charles Henry Memorial Rennie Hospital in order to restore the hope of the people of Margibi County.
“I understand that there are ongoing investigations into the alleged misappropriation of funds intended to improve health facilities in the county by USAID. While these investigations are necessary to ensure accountability and transparency, we cannot allow bureaucratic processes to hinder our ability to address pressing humanitarian needs. I firmly believe that allocating funding for the reconstruction of C.H. Rennie Hospital should be a top priority, especially considering the increase in the health budget made by the executive branch in the current draft budget.” UMOVEMENT CEO maintained.
Continuing, Mr. Brooks stated: “Mr. President, I must express my profound disappointment in the apparent failure to uphold the commitments made during your campaign for the office of the president. You promised the people of Margibi County that you would address this situation and ensure that they have access to quality healthcare services. The budget of the Ministry of Health was increased by $10,216,939 and thought you would have allocated $100,000 to commence the work at C.H. Rennie Hospital or the Minister of Health Dr. Louise Kpoto would have placed this within her budget since she’s aware of the health situation in the county.
The Liberian civil society actor also admonished President Joseph N. Boakai to be true to his words and fulfill his obligations to the people of Margibi County, noting that the Liberian Leader inaction speaks volumes and calls into question the sincerity of his promises.
“They (Margibians) are counting on you to lead with compassion and integrity, and they deserve nothing less. Please listen to the voices of the people, heed their cries for help, and take decisive action to rebuild C.H. Rennie Hospital without further delay. I beg you to remember the story of “Animal Farm” by George Orwell. In this allegorical tale, the animals overthrow their human oppressors and establish a society based on equality and justice. However, as time passes, the pigs, who have taken control of the farm, become corrupt and oppressive, betraying the ideals of the revolution and becoming indistinguishable from their former masters.” He noted.
He conclusion, Mr. Brooks asserted: “Mr. President, let us not allow history to repeat itself. Let us not betray the trust and confidence of the people who have placed their hopes and dreams in your hands. Let us stand together, united in our commitment to build a better future for all Liberians. I will continue to advocate for the reconstruction of the C.H. Rennie Hospital and I hope that you will consider my plea and take immediate action to address this pressing issue.”
