Monrovia – Liberia’s Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) is calling for stricter enforcement of medical regulations nationwide as part of ongoing efforts to raise healthcare standards and curb unauthorized practices. Chairperson of the LMDC, Benetta Collins-Andrews, has warned that individuals caught practicing without proper credentials could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.
Collins-Andrews made these remarks during the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing on Monday, September 10, 2024. Speaking at the event, she emphasized the need for accountability and integrity within the medical profession.
“There is a need for accountability and integrity within the medical profession. Having academic and professional qualifications alone is not enough. You need to be licensed to practice. This is not just about degrees; it’s about ensuring that healthcare professionals are competent and capable of delivering quality services,” she stated.
Her remarks come amid growing concerns over unauthorized medical practices in Liberia, a problem that Collins-Andrews believes poses a significant risk to public health.
“We must ensure that medical regulations are equitably enforced to the fullest, regardless of an individual’s economic standing or political connections. Medical practice is a sacred trust, directly affecting the health and well-being of all Liberians,” she asserted.
She also highlighted the dangers posed by unlicensed healthcare workers, citing several cases of individuals practicing medicine and nursing without the necessary qualifications.
“Anyone falsely representing themselves as qualified to practice medicine or nursing without the necessary credentials is committing a second-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment, fines, or both,” she warned.
Collins-Andrews also urged the government to introduce a volatility allowance for medical professionals, reflecting the challenging conditions in which they work.
“We must urge our government to provide increased support to medical professionals, especially in terms of a volatility allowance, given the numerous challenges they encounter,” she explained.
The proposed allowance, she added, would recognize the risks medical workers face daily, particularly in remote and under-resourced parts of the country.
Collins-Andrews made it clear that the LMDC’s regulatory framework applies equally to both Liberian and foreign medical practitioners. She indicated that foreign nationals caught practicing without proper documentation would face deportation following any legal penalties.
“We are not targeting anyone specifically, whether former or current public officials, foreign nationals, or expatriates. The law is clear: anyone practicing medicine in Liberia must comply with it. Foreign nationals in violation of the law will face deportation after serving their sentence,” she said.
The government has recently introduced a more stringent licensing framework, requiring all medical professionals, including nurses, surgeons, and medical assistants, to undergo a thorough registration process. Managed by the newly empowered National Medical Council (NMC), this system aims to ensure that healthcare practitioners meet necessary qualifications and maintain high standards throughout their careers.
Annual license renewals will now be mandatory for all registered professionals. To ensure ongoing competency, they will also be required to complete continuous professional development (CPD) programs, keeping them up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and practices.
“This process ensures that the healthcare workforce remains up-to-date with the latest medical knowledge and practices,” Collins-Andrews explained.
She further revealed that the government is working toward aligning Liberia’s healthcare system with international standards. Officials are aiming for full membership in global health organizations within the next two years, with the goal of making Liberia’s healthcare system competitive on the international stage.
“This will ensure that our healthcare professionals are recognized not only locally but also internationally. It is part of our mission to make our healthcare system competitive on the global stage,” she stated.
Additionally, Collins-Andrews noted that the government’s new regulatory framework addresses cases of medical malpractice. A dedicated committee within the NMC will handle such cases to ensure accountability across the healthcare sector.
“We are responsible for addressing medical practice issues. If a malpractice claim arises, we have a system in place to adjudicate and resolve these matters swiftly,” she added.
She emphasized that all healthcare providers in Liberia must ensure they are properly registered and compliant with LMDC regulations, encouraging practitioners to seek guidance from the council if necessary.
“There is no excuse for ignorance of the law. If you are practicing in Liberia, you are responsible for knowing the regulations and ensuring your qualifications meet the required standards,” she concluded.
The LMDC’s push for tougher enforcement comes amid broader efforts by the government to reform Liberia’s healthcare system, focusing on improving public health and ensuring that medical professionals meet the highest standards of competency and integrity.
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