Published: August 8, 2025
Pleebo, Maryland County – In a major milestone for healthcare in southeastern Liberia, the Pleebo Health Center on Thursday dedicated a newly constructed Outpatient Department (OPD), signaling a significant step forward in improving access to quality medical services for residents of Maryland County’s most populous district.
The dedication ceremony, held on the center’s grounds in Pleebo, brought together health workers, local officials, international partners, and community members, all celebrating a project aimed at easing patient overflow and strengthening the region’s primary healthcare infrastructure.
“This outpatient facility is not just a building — it’s a critical step toward improving the quality of care we offer to thousands of people every year,” said Dr. Shadrick Gono, Resident Doctor at the Pleebo Health Center. “We are proud to see our vision for better healthcare taking shape.”
Funding Breakdown and Capacity Boost
Hospital Administrator Garrison Sayor disclosed that the new OPD was constructed at a cost of US$15,329.90, with 81 percent funded by international donor institutions and the remaining 19 percent covered by the Liberian government’s budgetary support.
Sayor said the facility would help decongest the center’s overcrowded wards, reduce patient waiting times, and improve overall efficiency in service delivery.
“We’ve gone from a one-room clinic to a fully functioning health center staffed by three full-time doctors, a first in our history,” Sayor noted. “This milestone is the product of strategic planning, teamwork, and resilience.”
Surgical Theater Still Lacking
Despite the progress, stakeholders raised a critical concern: the absence of a surgical theater.
“This facility remains without a functional surgical theater, which is a serious concern,” said Ujene Kromah, a representative of the Maryland County Health Team. “Given that this is the largest government-run health center in the commercial hub of the county, addressing that gap is a top priority.”
Local leaders echoed the call for urgent action to ensure the center can respond to maternal emergencies and complex medical procedures without requiring patient transfers to distant facilities.
The newly dedicated OPD at the Pleebo Health Center
Government Pledges Continued Partnership
Aloysius Williams, Superintendent of the Pleebo-Sodoken Statutory District, described the new OPD as a “major step forward” and pledged his office’s continued collaboration.
“Healthcare must remain a top priority,” Williams said. “The accomplishments here are commendable, and we are committed to working alongside the center for future development.”
Pleebo City Mayor Larry G. Geekor applauded the center’s administration for its leadership and affirmed that the city government would remain an active partner.
“We won’t just support you with words, we’ll support you with action,” he said. “We’ll advocate, mobilize, and stand with you.”
A Vision for Rural Healthcare Transformation
The new outpatient facility is expected to streamline medical services, ease overcrowding, and improve the patient experience. With an expanding team of qualified staff and upgraded infrastructure, Pleebo Health Center is positioning itself as a model for rural healthcare delivery.
Still, officials say more must be done.
“We need investments in surgical services, maternal health, and emergency care,” Dr. Gono emphasized. “This OPD is just the beginning.”
As the event concluded, community members and partners left with renewed optimism, not just about the new facility, but about the direction of healthcare in Pleebo.
“We’re moving toward a healthier, more resilient future,” said Sayor. “And we’re just getting started.”
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