Published: January 23, 2025
Monrovia – Universal Health Coverage Campaigners, a prominent civil society organization, has urged the Liberian Senate to undertake a comprehensive and critical review of the Public Health Law currently under consideration.
The proposed legislation, which has been pending in the Senate for an extended period, was initially submitted to the Legislature during the tenure of former President George Weah.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the campaigners appealed to the Senate to scrutinize the law passed by the House of Representatives before concurring on its final passage. The organization underscored that the law is vital for strengthening Liberia’s health sector and must be meticulously reviewed to ensure its effectiveness.
“One key consideration is the law’s implications for the roles and responsibilities of various agencies within the health sector,” the release noted, emphasizing the importance of fostering collaboration and coordination among key government entities to achieve successful implementation.
The civil society actors also highlighted the need for the legislation to acknowledge the roles of all stakeholders to prevent conflicts or redundancies that could undermine its objectives.
Concerns have been raised by several professionals and institutions within the health sector regarding certain provisions of the law.
During a public hearing at the Senate, stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with clauses they believe grant excessive authority to the Minister of Health. They argued that these powers might infringe upon the statutory functions of other institutions within the sector, potentially disrupting governance and operations.
Some stakeholders further contended that specific provisions could override the roles of other legally established entities, thereby creating unnecessary friction within the health system.
Given these concerns, the Universal Health Coverage Campaigners stressed the necessity of revising and amending the law to address these issues before its enactment.
“The health of Liberia’s population is at stake, and it is critical that the law is structured in a way that balances the interests of all stakeholders while safeguarding the integrity of the health sector,” the statement added.
The organization called on the Senate to incorporate feedback from experts and stakeholders who participated in the public hearing as part of their deliberation process.
“We believe that with a careful and inclusive review, this law can become a significant tool in advancing Liberia’s public health and ensuring equitable healthcare services for all Liberians,” the release concluded.
The Universal Health Coverage Campaigners also urged health sector leaders to prioritize the collective interests of the Liberian people over personal agendas as they shape this crucial legislation.
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