The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) issued temporary permits for JAHMALE Medical Solutions expatriate staff on September 12; even though those expat staff have since returned to Ghana pending a resolution of their licensing status.
According to a release issued by the management team of JAHMALE, they have been actively engaging with the LMDC and the Ministry of Health to expedite the licensure process.
The management of Jahmale Medical Solutions (JAHMALE) announced on September 7, 2024, the suspension of its imaging services, including MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, mammography, and digital X-rays.
This decision follows a recent determination by the Liberia Medical & Dental Council (LMDC), which deemed the facility’s imaging staff “illegal and unqualified” after a spot inspection and interviews conducted on September 4.
The affected persons include Samuel Lartey, Radiographer (Ghanaian); Stephen G. Apkozah, Radiographer (Ghanaian); Richard Asamoah, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ghanaian); Adrian S. Jackson, Radiographer (Liberian); Jackson K. Mullah, Radiographer (Liberian); Abraham B. Merriam, Radiographer (Liberian); Lovetta W. Flomo, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Liberian); and Decontee Y. Farley-Korgboi, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Liberian).
Despite having passed annual inspections and receiving registration certificates from the LMDC since its inception in 2018, JAHMALE now finds itself navigating a complex regulatory landscape.
The LMDC’s actions have raised concerns, especially given the existing credentials of the facility’s four expatriate staff from Ghana and five Liberian trainees, all of whom are licensed professionals in their respective fields.
JAHMALE’s management informed the public on September 7 of its decision to suspend the imaging services while expressing regret over the disruption the suspension might have caused to patients and partner institutions, emphasizing their commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
Temporary permits were issued for the expatriate staff on September 12; however, they have since returned to Ghana pending the resolution of their licensing status.
According to a release issued by the management team of JAHMALE, they have been actively engaging with the LMDC and the Ministry of Health to expedite the licensure process.
A productive meeting on September 18 underscored the mutual interest in enhancing healthcare standards in Liberia.
The release revealed that JAHMALE has submitted all necessary documentation and fees to the LMDC in anticipation of a swift resolution.
In a statement, JAHMALE reiterated the qualifications of its staff, noting that the Ghanaian expatriates are certified by the Allied Health Professions Council of Ghana and possess valid degrees from respected institutions.
The Liberian trainees are also undergoing mandatory training as they work toward completing their licensure.
The management aims to resume full imaging services as soon as possible, emphasizing their dedication to quality healthcare.
They remain hopeful for a timely resolution to restore their critical services to the community.
As the situation develops, JAHMALE expresses gratitude to stakeholders for their support during this challenging time and remains committed to transparency and cooperation with regulatory bodies to enhance the healthcare landscape in Liberia.
