By Lofa county – citizens are currently living in fear as health workers threaten to embark on an unabated protest over the appointment of a new county health officer by Health Minister Dr. Louis M. Kpoto.
Mr. Raphael Shamavu, the newly appointed health officer, is facing backlash from the majority of health team members in Lofa county who feel that his appointment was unjust and not in the best interest of the community.
The health workers are calling for an immediate reversal of the decision and are threatening to take to the streets in protest if their demands are not met.
Mr. Dorfelson Jayguhwoiya, the spokesperson of the aggrieved health workers told The People News Online telephone interview that the appointment of the former medical director of the Kolahun hospital, has the ability to grossly undermine the already struggling health system in the county.
He alleged that the poor managerial skills of Dr. Raphael during his leadership at the only Referral hospital in Kolahun District, left many of their colleagues (health workers) victim and as such, they don’t feel comfortable working with him as a county health officer.
Mr. Jayguhwoiya asserted that there have been several written communication to the ministry for the appointment, instead their communication has been ignored prompting them to take the radical approach.
The citizens of Lofa county are worried about the potential impact of the protest on their access to healthcare services, as the health workers play a crucial role in providing essential care to the community.
Many fear that the ongoing dispute between the health workers and the health minister will only further strain an already fragile healthcare system in the county.
For his part, Lofa County Superintendent Mr. Lavela Massaquoi and community members are calling for a swift resolution to the situation, urging both parties to come to the table and find a mutually beneficial solution.
Superintendent Massaquoi and Lofa citizens are hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict to ensure that they can continue to receive the healthcare services they depend on.
By: Alphanso G. Kalama
