By Ben T.C. Brooks
River Gee County-The River Gee County Health Team is preparing to join a nationwide rollout of the Community Drug Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme, a major public health initiative scheduled to begin in August 2025.
This program, based on the updated 2022 Revolving Drug Fund (RDF) and pricing model, aims to improve access to essential medicines across all public health facilities in Liberia.
It introduces a cost-sharing mechanism, allowing patients to contribute a small, affordable fee toward the cost of medications and services.
The Community Drug Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme were officially introduced in June 2025 by health officials and development partners in Ganta, Nimba County.
The initiative promotes shared responsibility in healthcare, encouraging community involvement while ensuring that essential services remain accessible regardless of a person’s financial status.
Speaking with our reporter, River Gee County Health Officer Dr. Pauline Weah Mehdeh emphasized the importance of community engagement in improving healthcare delivery.
She explained that once launched, the scheme will enable patients to pay a nominal fee that supports operational costs and treatment, ultimately improving the availability and quality of care.
“For example, under the 2025 Community Drug Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme, a patient requiring surgery would pay just US$50—half of the US$100 previously charged under the June 2022 model,” Dr. Mehdeh noted.
Also speaking on the matter, Chief Medical Director of Fish-Town Referral Hospital, Dr. Luah Meshach Yardanmah, acknowledged the presence of a blood bank at the facility but pointed out that the primary challenge lies in securing donors.
“When a patient needs blood, we first check for a compatible relative willing to donate. If that’s not possible, we have to arrange for an external donor. Unfortunately, the hospital receives no direct benefit from that arrangement,” Dr. Yardanmah explained.
Dr. Mehdeh further clarified that all funds generated from the scheme will be dedicated exclusively to the procurement of essential drugs and maintaining the sustainability of health services within the county.
The Ministry of Health plans to roll out the initiative nationwide, beginning in regions identified as most in need of improved healthcare services. Local health teams will oversee the implementation, adapting the program to meet the specific needs of each community.
This strategy is viewed as a significant step toward achieving universal health coverage, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
As part of the program’s rollout, the Ministry of Health will conduct training sessions and workshops for health workers, community members, and stakeholders to raise awareness and ensure smooth implementation of the new policy.
In anticipation of the launch, the River Gee County Health Team is calling on all residents and stakeholders to actively support and participate in the program. Officials stress that the success of the Community Drug Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme depends on strong community involvement and commitment.
By working together, communities can enhance healthcare outcomes and build a culture of solidarity in addressing health challenges across the county.
