-Government, Legislature Hail Investment as Major Boost to Emergency Response and Patient Referral Services
MONROVIA, Liberia – In a significant step toward strengthening Liberia’s healthcare delivery system, the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday commissioned 25 brand-new, fully equipped ambulances to improve emergency medical response and patient referral services across the country.
The commissioning ceremony brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, health authorities, development partners, and county health representatives, highlighting what officials described as a successful collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches in prioritizing the health and well-being of Liberians.
Speaking during the event, Deputy Minister for Administration Martha C. Morris described the commissioning as more than the deployment of vehicles, calling it a direct investment in saving lives and improving access to healthcare services, particularly in under-served communities.
“The commissioning of these ambulances demonstrates our continued commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for all Liberians, especially those living in remote communities,” Morris said.
She noted that the ambulances would play a critical role in ensuring that critically ill patients, accident victims, pregnant women, and children receive timely medical attention and transportation to appropriate healthcare facilities.
“Today, we are not just commissioning vehicles; we are strengthening our capacity to save lives in communities across Liberia,” she added.
Collaboration Between Executive and Legislature
Deputy Minister Morris paid special tribute to members of the Legislature whose advocacy and support helped secure funding for the procurement of the ambulances.
She described the initiative as evidence that government institutions can work together effectively when the welfare of citizens is at stake.
“It shows that when it comes to saving lives, the Legislative and Executive branches stand shoulder to shoulder,” she emphasized.
Morris also assured Liberians that all resources allocated for the project would be used responsibly and accounted for transparently.
Improving Emergency Response
Acting Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, underscored the importance of emergency transportation within the healthcare system, particularly in rural counties where long distances and poor road conditions often delay access to lifesaving care.
“Timely transportation of patients is a critical component of an effective health system,” Dr. Moore said. “These ambulances will help bridge gaps in emergency care and referrals across the country.”
He noted that the deployment of the vehicles is expected to strengthen the national referral network and improve patient outcomes by reducing delays in accessing advanced medical treatment.
Development Partners Applaud Initiative
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), one of the government’s key development partners, welcomed the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the UNDP Country Representative, Program Analyst for Governance, Boye Johnson reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s healthcare sector.
“UNDP remains committed to supporting Liberia’s efforts to build resilient health systems and improve health outcomes through strategic investments and collaboration,” Johnson said.
Lawmakers Call for Accountability
The ambulances were formally commissioned by Representative Julie Fatorma Wiah, Chairperson of the House Committee on Health, and Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely of Grand Gedeh County, Co-Chair of the Senate Committee on Health.
Representative Wiah described the commissioning as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery nationwide.
“This investment represents hope for communities that often face challenges in accessing emergency medical services,” she said. “We must ensure these ambulances are properly maintained and effectively utilized.”
Senator Nimely echoed those sentiments, stressing that the long-term success of the initiative will depend on accountability, proper maintenance, and responsible management.
“The success of this intervention will depend not only on the availability of the ambulances but also on our collective commitment to responsible management and service delivery,” the Grand Gedeh lawmaker noted.
Counties Welcome New Lifeline
Speaking on behalf of County Health Officers, Dr. Annette B. Davis, County Health Officer of Bomi County, welcomed the deployment of the ambulances, describing them as a critical boost to healthcare services at the local level.
“These ambulances will significantly improve our ability to respond to emergencies and transport patients safely to higher-level healthcare facilities,” Dr. Davis said. “We will ensure that these ambulances serve the people who need them most.”
Health officials believe the new fleet will help reduce delays in emergency referrals, particularly for patients requiring specialized treatment unavailable at local health facilities.
Strengthening Liberia’s Health System
The ambulances were procured by the Government of Liberia as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare infrastructure, improve emergency preparedness, and enhance service delivery nationwide.
Officials say the deployment will help address longstanding transportation challenges that have hindered emergency response efforts, especially in rural communities where access to healthcare remains difficult.
The Ministry of Health expressed optimism that the new ambulances will significantly improve emergency response capacity, strengthen referral systems, and contribute to better health outcomes across Liberia.
As the vehicles begin deployment to designated health facilities and counties, health authorities say the investment represents a major step toward building a more resilient and responsive healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of all Liberians.
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