By By: The People News
Paynesville, Montserrado – Tensions erupted at ELWA Hospital on Monday, October 6, 2025, as staff staged a massive protest against SIM Liberia, the hospital’s governing body, demanding sweeping Wages and accountability. Chanting “Enough is Enough,” the workers submitted a petition outlining what they described as years of neglect and exploitation.
The petition accused SIM Liberia and its international partners of mismanagement, unfair salary structures, misuse of donor funds, and a controversial plan to reduce the 125-bed hospital into a children’s unit. “Our patience has run out, and our backs are against the wall,” the petition declared.
Comprising nurses, doctors, physician assistants, lab technicians, cleaners, and contractors, the workers expressed dismay that a hospital founded in 1965 and serving nearly 200 patients daily has been allowed to deteriorate into what they called a “shadow of its past glory.”
Workers claim that SIM Liberia’s Board of Directors has failed to address their concerns despite repeated appeals. The Ministry of Labour was said to have intervened partially in the past, but most issues remain unresolved. “The hospital is sinking deeper into crisis each day,” the petition stated.
One of the most contentious issues is the closure of critical departments, including the Family Medicine program, the female ward, and the eye and GYN clinics. These closures, workers argued, have not only cut manpower but also affected patient services and revenue. At least 18 Liberian doctors reportedly left after the Family Medicine program was terminated in 2023.
Salary complaints featured heavily in the petition. Staff alleged that professional nurses earn less than L$30,000 monthly. “How can a Christian-run hospital justify paying such meager wages? This is abuse of human labour,” the union stressed.
Transportation challenges also remain a pressing concern. Staff said they often rely on motorcycles and “keh keh” tricycles, exposing them to accidents. One nurse, identified as Babra, suffered two leg fractures while commuting on a motorbike. “For years, SIM has failed to provide buses to ease our transportation struggles,” the petition noted.
The workers also raised alarm over donor funds, alleging that US$75,000 provided for the purchase of an ambulance remains unaccounted for. “Where is the ambulance?” they demanded.
Another issue is the hospital’s annual payment of US$312,000 to SIM Liberia for electricity—an amount workers believe is grossly inflated. They argued that sourcing power directly from the Liberia Electricity Corporation would cost far less. “Is SIM hiding behind the gospel to exploit this hospital?” they asked.
In their list of demands, the union called for reinstating the 18 withdrawn doctors, reopening all closed wards and clinics, increasing salaries, and addressing outstanding retroactive benefits. They also requested a full account of how the US$75,000 ambulance fund was spent.
“The hospital carries a big name and treats large numbers of patients, yet our wages remain the lowest among Liberian hospitals,” the staff lamented, while appealing to President Joseph Boakai to intervene. They reminded the public that the President himself once sought treatment at ELWA before his election.
The protest disrupted operations at the hospital, with patients turned away. “My mother is dying inside and no health worker is attending to her after I already paid L$40,000,” cried Esther P. Weah, a distressed caregiver.
Minister of Health Dr. Louis Kpoto received the petition and acknowledged the validity of the grievances. She appealed for calm, pledging to engage SIM Liberia and the hospital’s management in dialogue.
“This is the largest strike action by ELWA staff since the hospital’s founding in 1965,” remarked one observer, describing the protest as historic. Demonstrators in white uniforms held placards, demanding fairness and accountability.
The unrest has caught the attention of lawmakers, civil society, and international partners, all of whom have been formally notified. For many Liberians, the crisis at ELWA highlights broader challenges in the country’s fragile healthcare system.
With tensions high, it remains to be seen whether SIM Liberia and hospital administrators will respond positively. But for now, workers insist their message is unshakable: “We wear white every day, but nothing is okay.”
