Published: January 26, 2026
River Cess County Health Officer Dr. Dyujay Karnga says the county’s health sector is undergoing what he describes as the most significant transformation in its history, marked by unprecedented improvements in staffing, infrastructure, power supply, drug storage, and emergency response.
“This is not business as usual,” Dr. Karnga said. “What we are seeing now in River Cess is a level of progress that the county has never experienced before.”
Dr. Karnga first disclosed the developments during the launch of World Breastfeeding Week at the Rivercess District Referral Hospital in Gbediah Town on December 5, 2025. In a follow-up interview with The Liberian Investigator at his office in Cestos City, he provided additional details on ongoing and completed projects.
Historic Increase in Medical Doctors
According to Dr. Karnga, River Cess County currently has nine assigned medical doctors, including three specialists and six general practitioners, describing it as a historic first for the county.
“For the first time in the history of River Cess, we have nine doctors officially assigned here,” he said. “This has improved the quality of care and reduced the number of referrals outside the county.”
He noted that the presence of specialists has strengthened diagnosis and treatment, particularly for maternal, surgical, and emergency cases.
Renovated Facilities and New Health Centers
Dr. Karnga disclosed that all 22 health facilities across the county have been renovated, improving both patient care and working conditions for health workers.
“When facilities are renovated, patients are treated with dignity and staff morale improves,” he said. “That was a necessary foundation for progress.”
He added that two World Bank–supported health centers are currently under construction in Gbloseo and Boegeezay, aimed at expanding access to healthcare in underserved communities.
Operating Theatre Near Completion
The County Health Officer further revealed that an operating theatre is under construction in Boegeezay Town and is now close to roofing level.
“This theatre will allow us to handle more surgical procedures locally,” Dr. Karnga said. “It will save lives by reducing delays caused by long-distance referrals.”
Largest Drugs Depot Outside Monrovia
Inside the newly constructed drugs depot: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
During the follow-up interview, Dr. Karnga disclosed that River Cess is poised to host the largest drugs depot outside Monrovia, with construction already completed.
Current (old) drugs depot: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
“The structure is completed,” he said. “What remains now is shelving so we can begin stocking drugs and improve supply across all health facilities.”
He explained that the depot will reduce drug shortages and strengthen the county’s medical supply chain.
Newly construct Drugs Depot: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
Solar Power for St. Francis Hospital
Dr. Karnga also announced that a solar farm project is underway to power St. Francis Hospital, one of the county’s major referral facilities.
“When completed, the solar farm will produce 45KBV, dedicated solely to St. Francis Hospital,” he said. “Reliable electricity is critical for quality healthcare delivery.”
He noted that the project will reduce reliance on fuel-powered generators and ensure uninterrupted services, especially during emergencies.
The solar farm project is underway to power St. Francis Hospital, one of the county’s major referral facilities: Photo by Eric Opa Doue
Strengthened Emergency Response
On emergency preparedness, Dr. Karnga confirmed that River Cess County currently has three functional ambulances to support prompt referrals.
“One ambulance is stationed at St. Francis Hospital in Cestos City, one at the Rivercess District Referral Hospital in Gbediah Town, and one is deployed in Boegeezay,” he said. “This coverage has significantly improved our response time.”
A Turning Point for River Cess
Dr. Karnga described the combined improvements as a turning point for healthcare delivery in the county.
“These gains are the result of teamwork—government commitment, partner support, and community involvement,” he said. “Our next focus is sustainability so these improvements last.”
For a county long challenged by limited access to healthcare, the scale of recent investments signals a shift toward a more resilient and responsive health system—one residents hope will translate into lasting improvements in public health outcomes.
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