River Gee: CHT to Join Nationwide Launch of Community Drug Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme

By: Ben TC Brooks |River Gee County Correspondent

Fish Town, River Gee County – Monday, July 28, 2025 – The River Gee County Health Team is set to join in a nationwide initiative involving the launch of a Community Resolving Drug Fund and cost-sharing program, to commence in August 2025.

The updated Health Policy, stemming from the 2022 RDF and cost-sharing pricing model, is designed to enhance healthcare accessibility at all public health facilities throughout the country. It allows patients to contribute a modest fee towards the expenses associated with essential medications.

The Community Resolving Drug Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme was created in June 2025 by health officials and partners in Ganta, Nimba County.

The program aims to promote shared responsibility among community members, fostering an environment where healthcare resources are accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation.

In an interview with our reporter, River Gee County Health Officer, Dr. Pauline Weah Mehdeh, emphasized the importance of involving patients and the community in timely healthcare delivery.

She explained that the cost-sharing program when launched, will allow patients to pay a small, manageable fee to help cover operational costs and treatments, thereby improving access to necessary and affordable medical care.

“For instance, under the 2025 Community Drug Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme, a patient needing surgery would pay US$50 instead of the previously set US$100 mentioned in the June 2022 pricing model”. Dr. Mehdeh concluded.

For his part, FishTown Referral Hospital, Chief Medical Director, Dr. Luah Meshach Yardanmah emphasized that while the FishTown Referral Hospital has a blood bank, the real issue lies in securing donors.

He explained, “When a patient needs blood, we first check if a relative with the compatible blood type is able to donate. If not, the hospital will organize for an external donor; which unfortunately does not provide any benefit to the hospital itself,” said Chief Medical Doctor Yardanmah.

The County Health Officer, stated that when the Community Drug Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme launches nationwide and begins to take effect, all collected funds will be dedicated solely to procuring essential medications for the county and ensuring the hospital’s sustainability.

The Ministry of Health plans to roll out the much anticipated program nationally, starting in areas identified as facing the greatest healthcare challenges.

Local health authorities will oversee the effective implementation of the drug fund, ensuring it meets the unique needs of each region.

The strategy is seen as a vital move toward achieving universal health coverage, especially in underserved areas.

As part of the launch, the Ministry of Health will organize training sessions and workshops to equip health workers, community members, and stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and tools to raise awareness about the revised policy.

In anticipation of the launch, River Gee County Health Authorities are urging all community members and stakeholders to actively participate in the program; highlighting that the success of the drug fund and cost-sharing scheme relies on collective involvement and dedication.

Through collaboration, communities can improve their health outcomes and cultivate a culture of support and solidarity in addressing healthcare challenges.