—- As Gov’t Issues license for Nine Imaging and Laboratory specialists

IPNEWS: The Management of Jahmale Medical Solutions (JAHMALE), says it will shortly resume its professional imaging services suspended due to concerns by the Liberia Medical & amp; Dental Council (LMDC).

Jahmale Medical Solutions (JAHMALE), in a release states that it regrets  the suspension of Imaging Services comprising MRI, CT Scan, Ultrasound, Mammography & amp; Digital X-ray – effective as of 7th September 2024.

The Management also noted that all other services remain open to the public.

“We do sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to all concerns. This decision was predicated upon receipt of the Liberia Medical & amp; Dental Council (LMDC) letter of 6th September wherein, among others, the entire imaging staff comprising four (4) Expatriates and Five (5) Liberian understudies were instantly deemed “illegal and unqualified” to practice by the LMDC following a spot inspection, an interview and post on social media on 4th September 2024 carried out by the LMDC led by its Chairperson, Dr. Benetta Andrews; regardless of the fact that the LMDC has annually inspected Jahmale’s facilities and personnel records since its inception in 2018 and consistently issued Registration Certificates including the current year 2024 and 2023 signed by the Registrar General, Dr. Augustus G. Quiah and Chairperson, Dr. Benetta Andrews which clearly states that “Jahmale has met all the requirements to operate”. Notwithstanding the above, the licensure of sonographers and radiographers, a seemingly emerging exercise, being undertaken by the LMDC is indeed wholeheartedly welcomed by Jahmale’s Management as we remain committed to any and all processes that enhance the quality of healthcare in Liberia.”

“We wish that the LMDC’s initial actions were consistent with normal administrative best practices and reflective of the actual circumstances surrounding the non-licensure of sonographers and radiographers at both public and private healthcare institutions over the years.”

“The Management of Jahmale wants to assure the public that it is working assiduously with the LMDC through the intervention of the Ministry of Health to resolve this issue without further delays. Consequently, Temporary Permits were issued on 12th September by the LMDC for the expat staff to proceed to work whilst the process of full licensure is being undertaken. Unfortunately, the Expat Staff returned to Ghana awaiting full completion of the licensure process before considering a return, alluding to the unfavorable circumstances leading to their sudden departure. The meeting of 18 th September between the LMDC Officials and Jahmale’s Management Team bore fruitful exchanges to enhance the mutual cooperation and benefits of both institutions. The LMDC is in possession of all documentation necessary, and fees required for the licenses as well as all other processes have been met by Jahmale’s Management. We therefore anticipate the timely issuance of the full licenses to The Expat Staff to accelerate their favorable consideration to recommence their most valuable services to Liberia.”

“We, therefore, hasten to emphasize herein and assure all concerns that the four (4) Ghanaian expatriate staff are qualified, experienced and licensed professionally to practice in their respective discipline as radiographers and sonographers by the Allied Health Professions Council of the Republic of Ghana and in possession of valid credentials from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and the University of Ghana. Over the past five (5) years, the Ghanaian expatriate staff working in concert with Jahmale’s on- site Ethiopian expat radiologist, have exhibited the highest degree of standard of care and exceptional professionalism in their respective services rendered to Jahmale’s Individual patients and Institutional clients, the Liberian Medical Community and the Public at large. We remain grateful to them for their invaluable services.” The Management of Jahmale Medical Solutions (JAHMALE) states.

The release furthermore notes that the five Liberians mentioned by the LMDC are Jahmale’s sponsored radiography and sonography graduates from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, and are in possession of provisional licenses also from Allied Health Professions Council (AHPC) of Ghana. They returned in December of 2023 and are currently undergoing mandatory one-year practical training as understudies to the Ghanaian expat staff. Upon completion, they will return to Ghana to complete the licensure process by the AHPC of Ghana to enable them receive their full licenses. A letter was sent to the LMDC informing of the current status of the Liberian understudies, accordingly.

“Jahmale wants to reiterate its commitment to providing quality and reliable medical imaging services to all as soon as possible and further expresses its willingness to afford the LMDC its usual cooperation, assistance and professional expertise to enhance the LMDC’s regulatory role whereby the process of licensure for sonographers and radiographers can be fully actualized, documented and circulated to all affected medical institutions, public and private, in a timely manner that will ensure a smooth and appreciable process in the future.”

“The Management of Jahmale Medical Solutions expresses its thanks and appreciation to all who have concern in words and in deeds during this time to ensure an amicable solution is fully realized.” The Management of Jahmale Medical Solutions (JAHMALE) statement noted.

This week, the Government of Liberia, through the Liberia Medical and Dental Council, issued provisional licenses to nine imaging and laboratory specialists at the Jahmale Medical Solutions in Paynesville.

The Council had previously disqualified the affected persons for engaging in unauthorized medical practice in Liberia, in line with subchapter E, section 61.19 of the Act creating the Council.

The satisfied persons include Samuel Lartey, Radiographer (Ghanaian); Stephen G. Apkozah, Radiographer (Ghanaian); Richard Asamoah, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ghanaian); Adrian S. Jackson, Radiographer (Liberian); Jackson K. Mullah, Radiographer (Liberian); Abraham B. Merriam, Radiographer (Liberian); Lovetta W. Flomo, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Liberian) and Decontee Y. Farley-Korgboi, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Liberian).

The individuals were discovered earlier this month during a routine spot check of Jahmale Medical Solutions, and the LMDC took immediate action.

Following series of engagements between Jahmale and the Health Authorities, and their assurances to be compliant with the relevant laws, the LMDC lifted the ban and issued one-month provisional licenses to the affected individuals.

During this period, the individuals will undergo the requisite screening, interview, and testing procedures required to engage in medical practice in Liberia.

LMDC warns individuals engaged in unauthorized medical practice to desist immediately as the Government will not hesitate to enforce the relevant laws of Liberia to protect its citizens and residents.