Published: April 1, 2026
By: Henry N. Kolenky
Maryland County —A major investment in healthcare delivery has been recorded in Maryland County, as District One Representative P. Mike Jurry donates medical equipment and supplies valued at over US$150,000 to JJ Dossen Hospital.
The donation, consisting of a second 40-foot container of assorted medical supplies, marks the completion of a two-container initiative spearheaded by the lawmaker in collaboration with partners and hospital authorities.
Speaking during the presentation, Representative Jurry disclosed that the procurement of the equipment was made possible through joint fundraising efforts with his partners abroad. He further noted that the hospital administration contributed approximately US$5,000 toward the transportation of the container from Monrovia to Maryland County. “These supplies are worth more than one hundred and fifty thousand United States dollars,” Jurry emphasized, describing the donation as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening healthcare services in the county.
He explained that the process began months ago, with active involvement from hospital administrators and medical professionals who helped identify and select the needed equipment from Canada. According to him, the collaborative approach ensured that only relevant and high-quality items were procured, avoiding unnecessary or unsuitable donations. “This is not about dumping items here. The professionals selected everything to meet the needs of the hospital,” he said.
Jurry also praised Partners In Health (PIH) for its role in transforming healthcare services at JJ Dossen Hospital, while noting that recent funding cuts from USAID have impacted operations. He called on other stakeholders, including government officials and international partners, to provide additional support.
For his part, Medical Director Dr. Shadrach K. Gono confirmed that the container includes a wide range of both basic and advanced medical equipment. These include hospital beds, operating room machines, suction devices, anesthesia machines, neonatal warmers, wheelchairs, surgical accessories, syringes, and gloves.
Dr. Gono noted that while the supplies do not include drugs, their long-term value is significant. “If you buy a wheelchair, it can serve hundreds of patients over time, unlike drugs that may benefit only a few individuals,” he explained, adding that the equipment will enhance service delivery and improve patient care. He highlighted that the hospital has experienced steady growth over the years, becoming one of the leading health facilities in Liberia.
However, he pointed out persistent challenges, including inadequate staffing, limited infrastructure, and space constraints due to increasing patient intake. The Medical Director stressed the need for expansion of critical units such as the emergency room, operating theatre, and maternity ward, as well as increased manpower to match the hospital’s growing capacity.
Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole Jr. commended Representative Jurry for the significant financial commitment and continued support to the county’s health sector. “This is not about politics; it is about development and service to the people,” Superintendent Cole said, urging the hospital to effectively utilize the equipment to improve healthcare outcomes.
He added that the donation complements ongoing efforts by the Government of Liberia and its partners to strengthen the country’s health system. The US$150,000 investment is expected to significantly boost the operational capacity of JJ Dossen Hospital, while stakeholders continue to call for sustained funding and collaboration to address remaining challenges in the sector.
Discussion about this post