FISH-TOWN, RIVER GEE COUNTY – The River Gee County Health Team has officially handed over two newly donated Toyota vehicles from the Ministry of Health to the county administration, marking a significant boost to healthcare delivery and emergency medical response across the county.
The symbolic handover ceremony, held over the weekend at the River Gee County Administrative Building in Fish-Town, brought together county officials, traditional leaders, health workers, development partners, and members of the media.
County Health Officer Dr. Pauline Weah Mehdeh formally presented the vehicles to Superintendent Swengbe before they were commissioned for public service. She said the vehicles, donated by the Ministry of Health and its partners, were first presented to the county leadership to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and respect for local governance.
Dr. Mehdeh also highlighted ongoing health sector improvements, revealing that four health facilities are under construction in Tienpo and Nyenbo Administrative Districts. She disclosed that clinics in Mamaken and Datuken have progressed beyond window level, while groundwork for the Nyenbo Clinic was launched on the same day. She further announced plans to upgrade the Jimmiville Clinic in Webbo Statutory District into a Comprehensive Health Center.
Receiving the keys, Superintendent Swengbe praised Dr. Mehdeh for her transparent leadership and thanked the Government of Liberia, under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., for strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
However, the superintendent used the occasion to issue a stern warning to government drivers, recalling the disappearance of the River Gee County Referral Hospital’s only ambulance and its assigned driver in October 2024.
He announced that all drivers assigned to County Health Team vehicles must provide guarantors and be held fully accountable for government property.
“We cannot afford another situation where government property disappears. Everyone entrusted with these assets must be fully accountable,” Superintendent Swengbe warned.
Following his remarks, he returned the vehicle keys to Dr. Mehdeh, authorizing the immediate deployment of the vehicles.
The new fleet comprises a fully equipped ambulance and a Toyota utility vehicle assigned to the Office of the County Health Officer. Health authorities said the ambulance will strengthen emergency referrals, particularly for expectant mothers, accident victims, and critically ill patients, while the utility vehicle will improve supervision of health facilities, disease surveillance, and healthcare delivery to remote communities.
The donation forms part of the Ministry of Health’s nationwide initiative to distribute 25 ambulances and additional logistical support to counties, reinforcing efforts to improve healthcare access and emergency response across Liberia.
The handover also coincided with the first anniversary of the current leadership of the River Gee County Health Team, headed by County Health Officer Dr. Pauline Weah Mehdeh, County Health Administrator Dedesco Gweh, and the team’s accountant, who assumed office in July 2025.
