“We Want Government Institute System To Track Corruption In Hospitals”, Pregnant Women & Baby mothers Recommend in Margibi County
By Sally Denia Tulorgbo 0770281023
Margibi County: Corruption has significant impacts on Liberia, affecting all public institutions in the country.
As a country with a complex history of civil wars and political instability, Liberia has faced considerable challenges with corruption this impeding development in several ways.
Corruption reduces economic growth and discourages foreign investment and aid and as well scare Investors from investing resources to a country where bribery, graft, and inefficiency are prevalent with fear that their investments might not yield expected returns.
This is exactly what Pregnant Women and baby Mothers are faced with in Margibi County as they crying out for lasting solution that will enable them access quality healthcare Services in the county without being harassed for bribes and other unqualified gifts or requests by healthcare providers.
Speaking to a group of baby mothers and Pregnant Women in Margibi County both at the Government hospital and in the different communities, they bursted out their fatigue of being pushed to pay extra cash while accessing health centers for services.
“We can pay the extra sometimes when we have it, but if we don’t have, health workers will not cater to us as they should” one of the Pregnant Women said.
Beatrice Mulbah, a five-month-old pregnant woman who regularly seeks medical attention at the Kakata Health Center, expressed concerns about the difficulties faced in receiving medication and treatment.
She noted that healthcare practitioners at the facility often demand money from patients, creating financial burdens for those seeking care.
“I am worried about the constant requests for money whenever I visit the hospital, It’s challenging to get the care I need when there are so many financial constraints” Beatrice said.
This is not unique to Beatrice Mulbah along as another young baby mother, Princess Quaye, also highlighted issues with the quality of care at the Government health facilities in the county.
She expressed frustration about the lack of attention given to newborn babies by health workers especially nurses and the demand for money before prescriptions made.
“I want my child to receive the best care possible, but it’s disheartening when nurses are more focused on asking for money or sending us to buy medications elsewhere, why are we even buying medicines from outside of the government hospitals?” She asked.
According to Princess, drugs availability and affordability at every government should be a priority but often times they are sent outside of the hospitals to go purchase medicine, something she described as lack of interest in the health sector.
“When your citizens are not healthy how are they going to contribute to the overall development of the country”, princess asked.
She called on government of Liberia to invest more in the health sector as investing in the health sector is a cornerstone of sustainable development. She noted that it will not only improve health outcomes for the population but also drives economic growth, reduces poverty, and enhances the overall stability and attractiveness of a country.
She added that low wages and salaries for health workers are factors responsible for low productivity and performance and as well contribute to massive corruption.
When contacted, the Government hospital in Margibi County, Public Relations officer declined to speak to our reporter.
This is story was produced by a Mentee Under the Female Journalists Association of Liberia Mentorship program with support from Internews USAID Year III Media Activity Program.
