Limited Manpower, Lack of Maternal Waiting Home Cripple Health Services at Beh Town Clinic

By: Ernest Kpehe Moibah | Correspondent Bomi County

Beh Town, Dewien District, Bomi County Wednesday, September 10, 2025Health services at Beh Town Clinic are facing serious setbacks due to a shortage of nurses and the absence of a maternal waiting home, issues local health officials and community leaders describe as major barriers to effective healthcare delivery.

The concerns were raised during a recent stakeholder gathering that brought together health workers, community leaders, and local residents. The meeting was led by Madam Decontee Williams, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the clinic, who painted a troubling picture of the clinic’s current realities.

Eight Years of Voluntary Service Without Pay

Madam Williams disclosed that several members of the clinic staff have been working as volunteers for over eight years without formal employment or compensation. She explained that while these workers continue to serve diligently, the lack of remuneration creates economic strain and makes it difficult to attract and retain qualified health personnel.

“This is not sustainable,” she lamented. “Our nurses are sacrificing daily, but how long can they survive without income? The clinic’s growth and the health of our people are being undermined.”

Maternal Health at Risk

Another major concern highlighted was the absence of a maternal waiting home, a critical facility for pregnant women in rural Liberia. Expectant mothers in Beh Town and surrounding villages are forced to travel long distances to seek safe delivery, often under dangerous conditions.

“Too many women are still delivering at home or on the road,” Williams warned. “Without a maternal waiting home, we cannot guarantee safe delivery for mothers and their babies.”

District Health Officer Calls for Expansion

Supporting the OIC’s position, District Health Officer (DHO) Kesselley Dorbor acknowledged the numerous obstacles confronting the clinic, citing limited space and inadequate infrastructure as key challenges.

Dorbor stressed the urgent need for government intervention to expand the facility and fence the compound for safety.
“Our population is growing, but our clinic has remained the same. Without expansion, we cannot meet the demand for health services,” he said.

Community Stakeholders Add Their Voices

Participants at the meeting echoed the concerns of the health officials, calling on national authorities, county leadership, and lawmakers to prioritize healthcare in Dewien District.

They emphasized that addressing staff shortages, constructing a maternal waiting home, and upgrading infrastructure are essential steps to safeguard residents, especially pregnant women and children who are the most vulnerable.

A Call for Urgent Action

The gathering ended with a united appeal to the Ministry of Health, Bomi County lawmakers, and humanitarian partners to step in quickly. Stakeholders warned that without immediate support, Beh Town Clinic risks being overwhelmed and residents will continue to face unnecessary health risks.

“The people of Beh Town deserve better. Health care is a right, not a privilege. We are calling on our leaders to hear our cry,” one elder said at the gathering.

The gathering ended with a united appeal to the Ministry of Health, Bomi County lawmakers, and humanitarian partners to step in quickly. Stakeholders warned that without immediate support, Beh Town Clinic risks being overwhelmed and residents will continue to face unnecessary health risks.

“The people of Beh Town deserve better. Health care is a right, not a privilege. We are calling on our leaders to hear our cry,” one elder said at the gathering.