Nathanel McGill, Senator of Margibi County has made a plea for the inclusion of CH Rennie Hospital in the 2024 national budget.
The plea comes at a time when the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating fire that razed the only referral hospital in the area in 2021.
The significance of CH Rennie Hospital cannot be overstated.
Serving as the primary healthcare facility for not only Margibi County but also for residents of lower Montserrado, Bong, and Grand Bassa counties, its absence has left a gaping hole in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
The lack of a functioning hospital has left thousands of individuals without access to essential medical services, leaving them vulnerable and in dire need of assistance.
Despite initial efforts by the government of former President Weah to initiate the reconstruction process by allocating $800,000 towards the project in 2023, the current national budget fails to allocate any funds towards the reconstruction of CH Rennie Hospital.
Senator Nnathaniel McGill believes with an estimated reconstruction cost of $6,000,000, this omission represents a significant setback in efforts to restore healthcare access to the region.
In his impassioned plea to the Liberian Senate, McGill emphasizes the urgent need for action, urging his colleagues to consider allocating at least $1,000,000 towards the reconstruction of CH Rennie Hospital.
This funding, he asserts, would serve as a crucial first step in kickstarting the reconstruction process and would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the countless individuals who rely on the hospital for their medical needs.
The plea from Honorable McGill underscores the pressing nature of the situation and serves as a rallying cry for action.
It is a reminder to the government of Liberia of its duty to prioritize the well-being and healthcare needs of its citizens, particularly those in underserved regions like central Liberia.
As the Liberian Senate deliberates on the allocation of funds in the 2024 national budget, it is imperative that they heed the call for action and prioritize the inclusion of CH Rennie Hospital in their budgetary considerations.
According to Senator McGill, failure to do so would not only prolong the suffering of the region’s residents but would also reflect a dereliction of duty on the part of the government to uphold its commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
He highlighted that the inclusion of CH Rennie Hospital in the 2024 national budget is not just a matter of fiscal allocation; but a moral imperative.
The former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs now senator added that It is a commitment to the principle that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right that should be afforded to all citizens, regardless of their geographical location.
The Margibi Lawmaker indicated that it is high time for action, stating that the Liberian Senate must rise to the occasion and prioritize the restoration of healthcare access in central Liberia.
