By Bryan Dioh
In an effort to strengthen healthcare delivery in Maryland County, the Pleebo Health Center has officially dedicated a newly constructed Outpatient Department (OPD) facility. The initiative, Health authorities say is aimed at expanding access to quality health services in Pleebo, the most populated and busiest city in Maryland County.
The ceremony which took place Thursday, August 7, 2025, drew an array of attendees, including health workers, local government officials, representatives from various ministries, development agencies and community members.
During the occasion, Pleebo Health Center Resident’s Doctor, Dr. Shadrick Gono, expressed gratitude to donors and the Government of Liberia for their continued support towards the health sector of Liberia while underscoring the facility’s importance in addressing the growing healthcare demands of the Pleebo- Sodoken District and surrounding communities.
“This new OPD is a critical addition to our services,” said Dr. Gono. “It will help us manage the daily influx of patients more efficiently and improve the overall quality of care.” Gono stated.
For his part, Mr. Garrison Sayor, Administrator of the health center put the cost of the new OPD at US$15,329.90. Of this amount, 81 percent was contributed by international partners, while the remaining 19 percent was funded by the Liberian government through its national budget.
This facility is part of our broader effort to create a more patient-friendly environment, “It’s about meeting our growing service demand while maintaining quality and compassion in healthcare delivery”, he noted.
Sayor said the achievement is the result of years of hard work, strategic planning, and teamwork-reflecting on the transformation of the Pleebo Health Center from a modest community clinic to a comprehensive healthcare institution. “From a single-room clinic with a few staff, we now boast of three resident doctors and a full-fledged healthcare facility serving thousands of patients annually”, he stated
He underscores the need to have similar facilities constructed across various Health centers in the county.
Mary Land County Health Authorities represented by Eugene Glomah applauded the milestone achievement, but quickly highlighted the lack of surgical theater as a critical gap within the health facility.
“As impressive as this facility is, we must not ignore the fact that it lacks a functioning surgical theater,” he emphasized. “Given that this is the largest government-run health facility in the commercial hub of the county, we must prioritize this issue. The County Health Team will continue working with hospital administrators and development partners to address this pressing need.” Glomah highlighted
Aloysius Williams, Superintendent of Pleebo Sodoken Statutory District described the dedication as a pivotal moment in public healthcare advancement. “Healthcare must remain a top priority. I commend the center’s leadership and pledge my office’s full collaboration in overcoming future challenges.”
The newly commissioned OPD is expected to significantly improve patient flow, reduce waiting times, and enhance service organization. With a bolstered medical team and expanded infrastructure, the Pleebo Health Center is setting a benchmark for rural healthcare service in Liberia.
Despite these gains, the need for more specialized services such as maternal care, surgical and emergency response remain essential. Health officials remain optimistic that with sustained support from the government and international partners, these additional needs will be met soon.
