In a move to robustly monitor and track illegal activities and individuals as well as institutions within the health sector, The Liberia Medical and Dental Council has established serious consequences of medical malpractice linking Jahmale hospital located at the ELWA junction in Paynesville.
The decision came after the health facility was found in flagrant violation of the Laws governing medical practice in the Republic of Liberia.
According to a spot check conducted by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, as part of its regulatory routine revealed that nine individuals who are currently working in the Imaging Department of JAHMALE Hospital are practicing without being licensed by LMDC.
The situation now of grave concern highlights the fact that the JAHMALE Hospital has hired foreign medical practitioners to practice in Liberia illegally, something that is highly, unlikely particularly in Ghana from whence all of the foreign culprits hailed.
The inspection, led by Dr. Benetta Collins-Andrews, Chairperson of the LMDC, along with Co-chair Theophous Fayiah and Director of Clinical and Research Joseph Colmah, discovered that four Ghanaians and five Liberians hired in the imaging department of JAHMALE Hospital are working illegally under the Liberia medical jurisdiction.
The unlicensed professionals identified include Radiographers Theresa Akoto Bamford, Samuel Lartey, Stephen G. Akpozah, and Richard Asamoah from Ghana, as well as Liberian Radiographers Adrian S. Jackson, Jackson K. Mullah, and Abraham B. Merriam.
Additionally, the investigation without biases also found out that two Liberians, Lovetta W. Flomo and Decontee Y. Farley-Korgboi, were found practicing as Diagnostic Medical Sonographers without licensure.
Dr. Andrews speaking to reporters emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Jahmale Med Solutions as an entity will be sanctioned for hiring unqualified professionals.
Moreover, the medical profesionals as part of the investigation involved will be sanctioned individually for practicing medicine illegally.
According to the legal health authority, The sanctions of those caught in violation in line with the health laws and regulations ranges from huge fines of prosecution as mandated by the Act of National Legislature creating the Liberia Medical and Dental Council.
“This is a clear breach of the law,” Dr. Andrews asserted. “Medical facilities must operate within the legal framework to ensure the safety and well-being of patients, she re-emphasized.
Jahmale Med Solutions’ actions are not only illegal but also pose significant risks to public health.” She added.
Dr. Andrews also highlighted the challenges the LMDC faces in enforcing medical regulations across the country.
She pointed out that the Council lacks sufficient resources, nothing that currently the LMDC does not have any functional vehicle to conduct regular inspections and monitoring.
“We are urgently calling for budgetary support from the government,” Dr. Andrews stated. “If violations like this can happen in a major facility right here in Monrovia, one can only imagine the potential risks in more isolated regions, especially in facilities run by concession companies in rural areas” she added.
The LMDC Chairperson appealed to both government and international partners to provide logistical support, including vehicle and training programs, to enhance the Council’s capacity to regulate medical practices effectively across the country.
Meanwhile, A detailed investigation into Jahmale Med Solutions is ongoing, and the LMDC has vowed to continue its efforts to ensure all medical facilities in Liberia comply with the country’s stringent medical standard in the interest of our people.
