By Jeremiah Gayflor
Tappita, Nimba County – In a major step toward improving healthcare delivery in southeastern and central Liberia, the Jackson F. Doe Memorial Regional Referral Hospital (JFD Hospital) on Monday, October 13, 2025, commissioned three brand-new pickup trucks and an 18-seater bus to enhance its logistical operations and patient services.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the hospital grounds in Tappita, marked the first time since 2015 that the institution has acquired functional vehicles, ending nearly a decade of severe transportation challenges that hampered service delivery, emergency response, and staff mobility.
JFD Hospital, one of Liberia’s key regional health facilities, is expected to benefit significantly from the new fleet. In addition to the vehicles commissioned, two ambulances are slated to arrive in December 2025—further strengthening the hospital’s emergency care and referral capabilities.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Victor Kaizer, Chief Executive Officer of JFD Hospital, hailed the development as a “major breakthrough” for the institution and extended gratitude to the Government of Liberia, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP) for their support.
“For nearly a decade, our institution operated without any functional vehicles, making service delivery extremely difficult,” Dr. Kaizer said. “The commissioning of these pickups and bus marks a major step forward for the Jackson F. Doe Hospital and demonstrates the government’s commitment under the ARREST Agenda to improving access to essential services for all Liberians.”
The acquisition of the vehicles aligns with the Liberian government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID), which focuses on Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism as cornerstones of national growth. The investment in healthcare infrastructure underscores the administration’s pledge to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare across the country.
Local officials, government representatives, and development partners attended the ceremony, including the Mayor of Tappita, who performed the official commissioning. The event was described as both symbolic and strategic, given the hospital’s critical role in serving rural and underserved populations.
Since assuming leadership in 2024, Dr. Kaizer has overseen a transformative period at JFD Hospital, introducing a range of reforms aimed at elevating healthcare standards. These include:
Modernization of key departments, including the emergency ward, maternity unit, and diagnostic laboratory.
Recruitment and training of qualified medical and administrative personnel.
Implementation of digital health records to streamline patient care and data management.
Expansion of partnerships with local and international health organizations.
Improved staff welfare programs, contributing to higher morale and better service delivery.
Dr. Kaizer reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to supporting the national health agenda and praised President Joseph Boakai for his leadership and focus on inclusive development.
With the newly acquired vehicles and ongoing improvements, JFD Hospital is steadily reclaiming its position as a beacon of excellence in Liberia’s health sector.
