Monrovia – In a significant move to improve waste management at Liberia’s largest referral hospital, House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has officially dedicated a newly constructed incinerator at the John F. Kennedy (JFK) Medical Center. The facility, valued at over $31,000, was unveiled over the weekend during a ceremony that brought together health professionals, lawmakers, and partners.
Speaker Koon emphasized the importance of maintaining sanitary conditions at the country’s foremost healthcare institution.
“JFK is the nation’s final hope for medical care and must be properly taken care of,” he said. “The amount we contributed is about $31,000, and while I may not know the exact value of the bricks donated, the total cost certainly exceeds that amount.”
The Speaker also promised increased financial support for JFK in the upcoming national budget, pledging to allocate more resources to address the hospital’s ongoing needs.
In a key announcement, Koon revealed plans to relocate students of the Tubman National Institute of Medical Arts (TNIMA) to a dedicated facility, as they are currently occupying patient wards.
“We will ensure that the students move into their own building in the next budget year,” he assured.
JFK Management Praises Initiative
Dr. Linda A. Birch, Chief Executive Officer of JFK, expressed gratitude to Speaker Koon for his intervention, describing him as a leader who understands the link between health and hygiene.
“You cannot serve and treat people while your surroundings are unhealthy,” Dr. Birch noted. “Before this incinerator, we were spending thousands of dollars monthly on private waste disposal. The new system has already reduced costs and improved our hygiene standards.”
She further commended Firestone Liberia for donating over 15,000 bricks and covering all transportation costs related to the project. “When you have supportive leaders and partners, success is inevitable,” she added.
Health Ministry, Firestone Join in Praise
Dr. John E. Tamba, JFK’s Chief Medical Officer, recounted that the incinerator project began in April 2025, shortly after Speaker Koon toured the facility.
“At the time, we were spending over US$7,000 monthly on waste management,” Dr. Tamba explained. “After a brief tour, the Speaker made a firm commitment to tackle our most urgent challenge.”
A representative of Firestone Liberia described the hospital’s recent transformation as impressive, noting that the facility is now visibly cleaner and better maintained.
Dr. Cuallau William Jabbah Howe, Assistant Minister for Preventive Services at the Ministry of Health, applauded the effort as a critical intervention in Liberia’s health sector.
“Getting rid of medical waste is one of our biggest challenges. We are proud that our premier hospital is leading by example,” Dr. Howe said.
A Step Toward Hospital Modernization
The newly installed incinerator, funded entirely through the office of Speaker Koon, marks a milestone in JFK’s journey toward modernization and improved public health standards.
As Liberia continues to grapple with health system challenges, initiatives like these signal a renewed commitment to building a cleaner, safer and more efficient healthcare environment for all.
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