MONROVIA, Dec. 28 (LINA) – On the occasion marking the dedication of the newly constructed Emirate Hospital, President George M. Weah has reassured Liberians of his Government’s commitment to provide efficient and affordable healthcare delivery across the country aimed at improving the wellbeing of the citizenry.
The modern 100-bed capacity, state-of-the-art Emirate medical facility covers more than 52,000 (fifty-two thousand) square feet, comprises several operating theatres, a modern laboratory, an intensive care unit (ICU), various specialized departments and many more facilities that set it apart from other hospitals in the country.
The Liberian leader Speaking at the dedicatory ceremony of the Emirates Hospital in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County said improving healthcare delivery has always been foundational to the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, citing. “This is why there have been consistent increases and add-ons to the operational budgets for already-existing hospitals, in order to provide the equipment and trained staff required for the delivery of critically-needed services”.
President Weah indicated that the inauguration of the Emirates Hospital is a further manifestation of his Government’s commitment to improving the quality of health services in Liberia by expanding health coverage to our rural population.
He revealed that the dedication of the Emirates Hospital now brings to three the number of new hospitals that have been built and opened during his Administration, namely: Gbandeya Hospital, 14 Military Hospital and now Emirates Hospital in Rivercess, Margibi and Gbarpolu Counties respectively.
“As we strive to improve the health sector by training healthcare workers both at home and abroad, and by providing free medical education in public health training institutions, such as the Medical School and the School of Pharmacy, my Government is committed to creating access to health infrastructures by constructing more new health facilities in under-served communities,” the Liberian Chief Executive maintained.
He spoke about further talks by his Government and the Government of the United Arab Emirates for the construction of additional structures of the same kind, to be built in other parts of the country, citing, “the goal is to ensure access and affordability, as we exert more effort to improve quality healthcare.”
The Liberian leader pointed out that the above move by his Government is another demonstration of the commitment they have always voiced to help to improve the living condition of the Liberian people, regardless which part of the country they may be.
According to the Liberians leader, the construction and commissioning of the Emirates Hospital will not only help the people of Gbarpolu to have access to quality health care, but will enable the surrounding counties (Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, and Bong), as well as some parts of Lower Lofa, to benefit from better health care.
He emphasized that the presence of the facility may even encourage some citizens of Sierra Leone, who are close to the Liberian border in Kongba District, to seek medical care at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Weah asserted that the project selection, groundbreaking, and construction of the facility can all be traced back to the selfless decision he made many years ago to leave Europe and play for a relatively unknown team in the UAE, called AL JAZEERA.
He maintained his move was based on the budding friendship he shared at the time with the then Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who subsequently became President of the United Arab Emirates.
“It was also based on the love that was shown to me by the Emirati citizens on the pitch. Leaving Europe at a time when my services were still being sought by many of the world’s top clubs was no small feat. But sometimes in life, it is important to put people and friendship above material gain. I am glad that I did that at that time, and I am also glad to see that that act of friendship is today yielding dividends for my country,” President Weah recounted.
Additionally, the Liberian leader extended his heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, for this profound act of humanitarian generosity to the People of Liberia.
“I would also like to thank him for the very high level of representation that he has sent to grace this occasion on his Government’s behalf, led by His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, and including Her Excellency Dr. Aysha Sultan Aldhaheri, Executive Director of the Military Health Services of the UAE Army, among others.
“Your Excellences, thank you for coming to Liberia to share this historic moment with us. You are very welcome,” the Liberian Chief Executive accorded special thanks to his guests.
Also, the Liberian President extolled the Management and Staff of Intbox Global Building Contracting LLC, Dubai, UAE, the construction company that built the facility in only 14 months from groundbreaking, in spite of the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, and its sub-contractor, Horizon Construction Company of Equatorial Guinea.
The Construction and subsequent dedication of the Emirates Hospital in Bopolu, Gbarpolu County is a milestone achievement that will help shape Liberia’s health sector in a positive direction.
When given the necessary support, the hospital will help bring relief to many ailing Liberians in the Western Region of Liberia and its surroundings.
