Dolo Town, Margibi County – A devastating fire engulfed the Dolo Comprehensive Health Center, a major public health facility in Margibi County, on Saturday evening, causing panic among residents. The cause of the fire remains unknown.
The blaze, which resulted in no human casualties, completely destroyed the building, along with medical equipment and essential drugs, severely disrupting healthcare services for over 40,000 people in District #2.
This incident comes just four years after C.H. Rennie Hospital, the only public referral hospital in the county, was also gutted by fire. To date, the government is still struggling to commence its reconstruction, as constant delays have forced thousands in desperate need of healthcare to seek services outside the county.
According to reports, the fire broke out while the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) power grid was down. The facility was operating on its solar power system when the unexpected flames engulfed the building.
A source from the Margibi County Health Team, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the destruction of the Dolo Comprehensive Health Center places the county’s public health system on the brink of collapse. This comes amid the suspension of USAID donor funding to the healthcare sector in Margibi. The facility had two assigned surgical services, making its loss even more devastating.
In a statement issued Sunday, the Ministry of Health expressed deep concern over the fire outbreak at the health center.
Dr. Catherine T. Cooper, Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, led a delegation of senior health officials to assess the damage and formulate plans for the swift restoration of services. She called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
“We have requested the Liberia National Police and the Liberia National Fire Service to immediately investigate the cause of the fire and provide a full report to the Ministry,” the statement noted.
As an interim measure, the Ministry is working to restore Out-Patient Department (OPD) services at the health center as soon as possible. Meanwhile, emergency cases and patients requiring admission will be referred to nearby health facilities, including the 14th Military Hospital, Duside Hospital, Unification Town Health Center, and Cotton Tree Health Center. An ambulance will also be stationed at the facility to assist with patient referrals.
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