By: Elijah Easter Kaykay
What appears to be a critical medical crisis is unfolding at the Liberian Government Hospital in Buchanan, as the facility has been unable to perform surgeries requiring anesthesia following the resignation of its nurse anesthetist.
This shortage has severely impacted the hospital’s capacity to provide essential surgical services, leading to the referral of patients with urgent health issues to other facilities.
Sources within the hospital confirmed that since the departure of the anesthetic staff, the hospital has been unable to conduct surgeries involving anesthesia.
Consequently, many patients often in critical conditions, are being referred elsewhere.
One such case is that of Samuel Sarwah, an elderly man diagnosed with appendicitis, who was urgently referred to another facility due to the lack of anesthetic support.
Speaking to our reporter J. Sarwah Davis, brother of Samuel, expressed his deep frustration and concern.
“My brother is in severe pain, and the hospital couldn’t treat him because they don’t have anesthetics.
We had to find a commercial vehicle to take him to Monrovia for proper treatment. This is an emergency,” Mr. Davis stated.
He called on county and national authorities to intervene immediately, describing the situation as a serious threat to public health and safety in the region.
The crisis at Buchanan Government Hospital has alarmed residents and health advocates.
As the region’s only referral hospital, its inability to provide essential surgical services endangers many lives.
The community fears that without urgent intervention, more preventable deaths may occur due to delays and lack of critical medical resources.
Attempts by our to obtain an official response from the hospital were unsuccessful.
The station was directed to contact the County Health Officer, Dr. Wesseh. In a phone interview, Dr. Wesseh confirmed that the nurse anesthetist assigned to the hospital had recently resigned. “Yes, quite recently, the nurse anesthetist at the hospital resigned.
Following the resignation, we informed the Ministry of Health because, as a county, we cannot hire.
Yesterday, the Ministry advised us that a new nurse anesthetist is expected to arrive next week.
Regarding referrals, it is standard practice in healthcare.
When a case is beyond our control, we refer patients to the next level of care. It’s a normal part of medical practice,” he explained.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated.
The community, patients, and health workers are calling for immediate action from government officials.
As the crisis deepens, a swift response from the relevant authorities is essential to restore vital medical services and save lives in Grand Bassa and beyond.
