Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Senators of Liberia have summoned the Minister of Health and Finance along with officials from the Civil Service Agency (CSA) to explain the sustained delays in funding and payments to health facilities around the country.
The Senate decision reached the 16th day on Thursday, March 13th, 2025. Lawmakers require that heads of these agencies, together with their key representatives, appear before the plenary session to clarify the matter.
The summoned official is expected to appear before the Senate on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
As part of its oversight responsibility, the Senate requested the Health Minister to present a copy of the ministry’s 2024 budget and performance report. Additionally, the Minister must submit a comprehensive list of medical supplies procured and distributed since taking office.
To promote transparency more broadly, the Senate also requested that the Health Minister be accompanied by representatives from major health agencies, including the Liberia National Institute of Public Health (NPHIL) and the National Drug Services (NDS). Their appearance is intended to shed light on the ongoing shortage of medical supplies in health facilities despite budget allocations for fiscal year 2024.
The Senate lawsuit follows concerns raised by Gubalpor County Senator Amara Kone. Amara Kone has informed the whole of persistent complaints from health centres around the country regarding financial and medical assistance delays.
It can be recalled that the Senate approved more than US$70 million for the health sector in its 2024 national budget. However, reports show that despite prior allocations, fund payments are significantly delayed.
Grand Cru County Sen. Numene Bartekwa also expressed concern about the challenges his county is facing, particularly with regard to volunteer healthcare workers. He noted that resources were allocated in the 2024 budget to address the issue, but the funds have not yet been available.
The concerns raised by Senators Konne and Baltekwa were echoed by other senators. Other senators highlighted the urgent need to address the shortage of essential medical supplies in health facilities across the country.
