Monrovia – The John F. Kennedy Medical Center has received four new ultrasound machines from the Ministry of Health as part of a national initiative to improve diagnostic capacity and strengthen healthcare service delivery across the country.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The donation was formally presented on behalf of the Ministry by Dr. Teyah S. Moore, Assistant Minister for Curative Services. According to Dr. Moore, the contribution is part of a broader government plan to enhance diagnostic services in all 15 counties of Liberia.
“We are doing this to improve diagnostics and health service delivery at JFK,” Dr. Moore said during the handover ceremony. “We believe that from today, we will see some level of improvement in healthcare delivery, especially as it relates to diagnostics.”
He disclosed that the government recently procured a total of 42 ultrasound machines, which arrived in Liberia last month. Of that number, four have now been delivered to JFK Medical Center, while the remaining 38 will be distributed to other public hospitals across the country.
Receiving the donation, Dr. Linda R. Birch, CEO of JFK Medical Center, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health and highlighted the critical need for additional diagnostic equipment at the facility.
“These days we are overwhelmed with patients, particularly when it comes to diagnostic imaging. We had only one machine in our imaging unit and another in the maternity ward, which unfortunately broke down yesterday,” Dr. Birch explained. “As a result, patients have been waiting two to three hours for services. With these four new ultrasound machines, we will be able to deliver timely reports and improve patient care.”
She assured the Ministry that the equipment would be used efficiently and for its intended purpose. “Please extend our appreciation to the Minister for this donation,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Deaze M. Saywon, Head of the Maternity Department at JFK, described the donation as timely and impactful, especially in the area of women’s health and maternal care.
“As you know, Dr. Birch, I am at your door almost every day requesting ultrasounds,” Dr. Saywon said. “This is not only about access to equipment, but also about improving women’s health, reducing maternal mortality, and strengthening diagnostic services. This donation is timely and will be used for its intended purpose.”
Dr. Saywon extended appreciation to the Ministry of Health and the Government of Liberia on behalf of the maternity department, noting that the support will contribute to ongoing efforts to reduce maternal mortality at the facility.
According to hospital officials, of the four machines donated, two will be installed in the maternity ward, one in the imaging unit, and one in the surgical ward on the fourth floor.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
