By G. Watson Richards
The John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center has announced the arrival of an international team of thoracic surgery specialists who will offer free, life-saving procedures to patients in Liberia.
According to an official memorandum issued by the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Emmanuel Tamba, the visiting surgeons are affiliated with the Diego Gonzales Rivas Foundation, a globally recognized organization known for advancing minimally invasive thoracic surgical techniques.
The team is scheduled to collaborate with Liberian medical professionals during a week-long surgical mission from Monday, April 13 to Saturday, April 18, 2026. During this period, patients will receive thoracic endoscopic surgeries free of charge.
“A team of renowned thoracic surgeons from the Diego Gonzales Rivas Foundation will be visiting the JFK Medical Center to conduct one week of thoracic endoscopic surgeries in collaboration with their Liberian colleagues. The entire process will begin on Monday, April 13 and end on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Note: All surgeries will be done free of charge.”
The initiative highlights growing international collaboration aimed at strengthening Liberia’s healthcare system, particularly in the area of specialized surgical care.
Thoracic endoscopic procedures, used to treat conditions affecting the lungs and chest, are often costly and require highly specialized expertise, making such outreach programs critical in low-resource settings.
The JFK authorities have called on administrators, clinical department heads, and staff to ensure full cooperation in facilitating the program’s success.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Bendu S. Mensah, was copied on the communication, signaling strong institutional support for the initiative.
The effort aligns with broader national goals of improving access to advanced healthcare services and building local capacity through partnerships with international experts.
Patients in need of thoracic surgical care are encouraged to contact the hospital for screening and eligibility ahead of the scheduled dates.
