Strengthening the health sector appears to be a major priority for the Joseph Boakai-led administration. The first draft national budget under President Boakai is a reflection of this reality. The health sector’s budget has experienced a substantial increase from US$64.5 million in FY2023 to US$75.5 million. This increase accounts for US$10.9 million or 15%.
With a 15% increase in the budget of the health sector, Pres. Boakai is picking healthcare specialists to lead his transformative agenda across the health sector. Recently, the president appointed a healthcare administration specialist and a Marshall University-trained Clinical Sociologist.
The preferment of Dr. Victor Zon Kaizer did not come as a surprise because of his over 15 years of solid experience in healthcare administration and clinical sociology combined with his applied knowledge in therapeutics. Dr. Kaizer holds a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) from the Virginia University of Lynchburg in the United States.
He also holds a Master’s in Clinical Sociology from the Marshall University with a concentration in Human Services. Dr. Kaizer also obtained his Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Marshall University. He holds another Master’s in Organization leadership from the Virginia University of Lynchburg. Dr. Kaizer also holds a post-graduate certificate from the Pennsylvania University in Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT).
Dr. Kaizer’s long years of experience put him in a better position to institute appropriate reforms at the Jackson F. Doe Hospital in Nimba County. From July 2018 to January 2019, Dr. Kaizer served as Chief Administrator of the Jackson F. Doe Hospital. He has also served as the lead clinician of Elwyn in Philadelphia. Across different private health and psychosocial facilities, Dr. Kaizer has served as a therapist and clinician.
With over 15 years of experience in health management and human services, Dr. Kaizer is poised to lead the Tapitta Hospital.
Rousing Welcome
After his preferment by President Joseph Boakai, Dr. Kaizer traveled from Monrovia to assess the current state of the Tapitta Hospital. He and his team from Monrovia received a rousing welcome from the hospital staff and community dwellers in Tapitta. Tapitta Hospital is not a new environment for Dr. Kaizer because he’s worked there before as Chief Administrator of that facility.
In response to the rousing welcome, Dr. Kaizer thanked President Joseph Boakai for his preferment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and promised to lead efforts to strengthen healthcare in Nimba County and surrounding counties through increased budgetary allotment, improved health infrastructure, and capacity building. “We will work to appropriate healthcare programs to prevent and control diseases. We will foster continuous partnerships with international organizations and the donor community geared towards seeking much-needed support and resources to build a stronger healthcare system in the country. What was supposed to be an assessment visit at Jackson F. Doe Memorial Hospital has turned out to be a triumphant entry into the city of Tappita,” Dr. Kaizer said.
