Liberia and Guinea today dedicated the Amed Sekou Turay clinic in Panta, Bong County. The clinic was built near the Guinean-Liberian border in the 70s but suffered serious damage as a result of the Liberian Civil War which ended in 2003. A Health Ministry’s statement signed by its Communication Consultant, Sorbor George said, the refurbished effort was initiated by Vice President Jowel Howard Taylor, following a visit to the area before the election.
VP Taylor’s effort later drew in the aid of Samiritan Purse, Ministry of Healrh and implemented by local contractors.
In remarks, Health Minister and the Guinea Ambassador both paid special tribute to Vice President Taylor for initiating the refurbishing of the clinic.Both Minister Whilimina Jallah and Ambassador Elhadj Abdoulaye Dori urged the local residents to take ownership of the clinic.
Guinea described the reconstruction of the clinic as a show of the brotherly love that existed between Former Guinean President Sekou Turay and William R. Tolbert of Liberia.
Fifty percent of health services are accessed by the people of Guinea, while a huge population in the Panta District, Bong County also trooped in for medical care at the clinic. Ambassador Dori also recalled the contribution of the clinic during the Ebola Crisis, which affected both the people of Liberia and Guinea.
The refurbished health facility currently has 12 staff and will need additional 14 for full operation.
During the dedication, local residents including Guineans living near the Liberian border celebrated the reconstruction, singing and dancing to traditional music.
They also presented gifts in the form of goat and chicken as their appreciation for providing them access to healthcare.
They further launched an appeal for constant drugs and medical supplies to enable them facility function smoothly.