The exposure of Peter Matthew George as a fraud is not just a professional embarrassment for Liberia’s health sector, it is a national scandal with potentially deadly consequences. Failure to take serious action would project a mockery of the nation and a slap in the face of Lady Justice.
George, long hailed as the “doctor for the poor,” served as County Health Officer for Gbarpolu County and held senior roles at some of Liberia’s major health facilities.
Until a recent credential audit by the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) revealed the chilling truth: George was never a doctor; he eluded our already broken system and might have caused the death of many people.
From fabricating a medical degree, stealing the identity of a deceased person, and operating within our national health system for years, endangering countless lives under the guise of compassion and care, George made the entire nation look imprudent.
A friend of mine lost his father about two years ago in Nimba County, after this very George conducted surgery on him to remove a growth within the intestine. George had mistakenly cut the old man’s intestine while carrying out the procedure.
Two weeks later, the old man began enduring severe pain. When his sons opted for further treatment at the ELWA Hospital in Monrovia, he was turned away and told to be taken back to where he had his medical history. While they were en route to Nimba County, the old man died along the way.
This is the grim recollection of my friend. When George was recently hooked and disgraced, my friend had to relive the gruesome experience of his father’s death.
We may never know how many lives were compromised or destroyed by George’s unqualified interventions. So far, George has avoided the full weight of criminal prosecution. This inaction is unacceptable.
The Ministry of Justice has a statutory duty under Chapter 22, Section 22.2 of the Executive Law of Liberia to “institute all legal proceedings necessary for law enforcement.”
Peter Matthew George’s elaborate deception, encompassing identity fraud, forgery, and illegal medical practice, is a crime under Liberian laws. This is not merely unethical conduct; it is criminal.
His actions fall squarely under violations of the New Penal Code of Liberia, including Section 12.35 – Impersonating Officials, which criminalizes falsely claiming official or professional status to exercise functions or gain privileges not legally conferred. He has also violated Section 15.70 – Forgery, which penalizes the creation or use of false documents with the intent to deceive.
Each of these crimes carries serious penalties. In George’s case, the scope of deception and the potential for harm justify the maximum enforcement of the law. For example, the case of my friend’s father’s death evinces the grim impact of the many years of misrepresentation and deception of Mr. George.
What I see as the bigger picture germinating from this saga is the massive damage to Liberia’s medical sector. Trust, which should be the cornerstone of any health system, is being corroded and may shatter if serious actions are not taken to deter recurrence.
Liberians would now begin to question the authenticity of their doctors. Medical centers that employed George, however unwittingly, are now tainted. And those associated with these medical institutions would be hunted by the egregious criminal conduct of George.
The LMDC’s swift revocation of his license and nationwide re-verification efforts are commendable. But they are not enough.
Without prosecutorial action, a dangerous precedent will be set. Carving a picture that those who commit egregious fraud at the highest levels of our healthcare system can walk away with mere administrative sanctions.
The Ministry of Justice must immediately open a criminal investigation into George’s activities, charge him appropriately, and ensure that he answers before the law. To delay is to compound the injustice done to the people he deceived – and to invite future impostors to do the same.
Liberia’s health system cannot afford another Peter Matthew George. The time for justice is now, and the Ministry of Justice must use the law to prosecute Mr. George not just for his grave criminal but help restore confidence and trust in the health system.
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