MONROVIA — Senior staff of the Ministry of Health, including Minister Dr. Louise Mapleh Kpoto and Deputy Minister for Administration Martha Morris, are set to meet with Grand Cape Mount County Senator Dabah Varpilah in Monrovia on Tuesday to discuss the controversial appointment of Delino Kollie as County Health Services Administrator for Grand Cape Mount County.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Kollie, who was appointed last month by Deputy Minister Morris to replace Jonah Tokpah, has been at the center of a heated debate. Tokpah, an experienced Health Services Administrator, had served in the position for over four years before being replaced.
Senator Varpilah, who is also the chairman of the House Committee on Health, has strongly opposed the appointment, raising concerns about Kollie’s qualifications.
In a letter dated February 19, Varpilah questioned Kollie’s administrative skills and experience, highlighting that he lacked the required background in public administration and health services management, both of which are critical for the role according to the Ministry’s guidelines.
While Kollie’s medical background as a nurse has been acknowledged, critics argue that his limited managerial experience — primarily in running a drugstore — is insufficient for the demanding role of County Health Services Administrator.
The position requires expertise in health management, financial oversight, and leadership, areas where Kollie’s qualifications have been called into question.
The controversy has sparked widespread public debate in Grand Cape Mount County, with many residents expressing concerns over the potential impact on healthcare delivery.
Local residents argue that effective management is crucial, especially with key health projects like the FARA project underway in the region. Without the necessary administrative skills, they warn that the county’s health services could be compromised.
“The health services administrator must not only be a healthcare professional but also possess the ability to manage budgets, make strategic decisions, and lead a team,” said one local resident. “We need someone with a proven track record in managing health systems, not just someone with a nursing background.”
The issue has prompted protests in Grand Cape Mount County, with demonstrators gathering outside the County Health Team Office in Sinje Town, Garwula District.
Led by Thompson M. Kiatamba, the protesters called for a qualified administrator with substantial experience in health services management. Kiatamba read a petition demanding that the County Health Services Administrator possess the skills to effectively manage health systems and make critical decisions.
In response, Garwula District Commissioner Hon. Kandakai Kiazolu assured protesters that their concerns would be forwarded to Grand Cape Mount County Superintendent Foley Kiatamba. Senator Varpilah also urged calm among the youth and gave the Ministry of Health two days to address the issue.
As of now, Kollie has not yet taken office as County Health Services Administrator.
With Tuesday’s meeting approaching, it remains unclear whether the Ministry of Health will reconsider Kollie’s appointment or seek a resolution that satisfies both Senator Varpilah and the concerned residents of Grand Cape Mount County.
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