MONROVIA: A recent regulatory assessment of John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Liberia’s largest hospital, has revealed significant deficiencies in waste management, medical equipment, and patient care, raising urgent concerns about the institution’s ability to provide safe and effective healthcare services.
The comprehensive report released on June 13, 2024, by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council highlighted systemic issues across various departments, including the Emergency Room and Pharmacy.
Among the general findings were poor waste management practices and an acute shortage of essential medical equipment, such as blood pressure machines.
These issues are compounded by an overwhelming patient load that strains already limited resources.
“We also thank the administration, medical staff, supportive staff, and patients,” said Dorbor Kolubah Kabbah, team lead and Clinical Director at the Liberia Medical and Dental Council.
“Your cooperation and openness were crucial in providing an accurate and comprehensive evaluation of your facilities,” he stressed.
The primary objective of the assessment was to evaluate compliance with national healthcare regulations and identify areas for improvement.
It examined physical infrastructure, clinical practices, administrative processes, and patient care standards at the hospital.
The assessment also uncovered legal and professional lapses, with several health professionals working on expired licenses.
Ongoing renovations in the Outpatient Department (OPD) have led to considerable disorganization, further impacting patient care, said the Council.
One of the most alarming revelations was the hospital’s lack of accreditation by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC).
According to the report, this deficiency significantly undermines the credibility and operational standards of the medical center.
Moreover, the absence of established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling emergency procedures poses a serious risk to patients’ safety.
According to the report, the situation in the Emergency Room (ER) is particularly dire.
The ER is critically understaffed and operates without clear policy or procedural guidelines.
Infection control measures are severely lacking, with instances of multiple patients sharing a single bed.
Staff training is another critical issue, with only a limited number of personnel having undergone proper training.
The report stressed that this shortfall contributes to inadequate documentation and assessment practices.
The ER’s physical environment is also problematic, with poor maintenance, limited space for patient care and consultations, and a general lack of organizational clarity.
The hospital’s pharmacy faces its own set of challenges.
Expired medications were found on active shelves, posing a significant risk to patient safety.
Additionally, there is a large quantity of expired drugs stored in designated containers, reflecting a broader issue of inventory management.
Non-compliance with donation rules has resulted in the receipt of inappropriate or unusable medications from donors.
The pharmacy operates in a very limited space, hindering its ability to efficiently manage and dispense medications.
“We hope that this assessment serves as a valuable resource for driving positive change and fostering a culture of quality and safety within our healthcare institutions,” Kabbah stated.
Speaking about the report, some citizens expressed that the assessment echoed the urgent need for immediate actions to address the many shortcomings at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, which they say have led to deaths and injuries of many citizens.
The assessment by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council recommended measures to address the problems.
“Prioritize enhancing staff training, improving infection control measures, ensuring proper licensing and accreditation, and expanding the physical infrastructure of key departments,” the report added.
The John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFKMC) is Liberia’s leading medical facility, comprising several specialized hospitals including the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, the Japanese Friendship Hospital, and the E. S. Grant Psychiatric Hospital.
The Management of the John F. Kennedy Hospital is yet to clarify or respond to the latest findings against its operation despite efforts to hear from the JFK management.
