IPNEWS: Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung has donated a brand-new X-ray machine to the Esther and Jereline Johnson (E&J) Medical Center in Ganta, Nimba County, a move expected to significantly strengthen diagnostic services and improve healthcare delivery at the facility.
The donation was disclosed on Friday during a program marking the turnover of office from outgoing Medical Director, Dr. Jerome Johnson, to the newly appointed Medical Director, Dr. Karwulo Gbengein.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Gbengein confirmed that the X-ray machine was donated by the Office of the Vice President and presented through Mr. Adolphus Tayn, Project Manager in the Office of the Vice President. He explained that while the formal presentation had been earlier announced, the actual delivery of the equipment was completed Friday morning due to prior official engagements of the project manager.
According to Dr. Gbengein, the machine was officially presented in the presence of the County Health Officer, hospital staff, and community members. He described the equipment as brand new and still sealed in its original packaging, expressing profound appreciation to Vice President Koung for what he termed a timely and impactful intervention.
“For a very long time, we have been referring patients to Ganta Hospital and other facilities for X-ray services,” Dr. Gbengein said. “With this donation, E&J Hospital will now be able to conduct X-ray examinations on-site, allowing us to provide faster and more efficient services to our patients.”
He explained that the X-ray machine will enhance the hospital’s diagnostic capacity, especially in managing cases involving bone fractures, chest-related complications, lung congestion, and other medical conditions requiring imaging. The development, he noted, will reduce referrals and improve overall patient care within the community.
Dr. Gbengein used the occasion to appeal for additional support for the hospital, particularly the provision of an ambulance. He disclosed that the County Health Officer has acknowledged the need for an ambulance in Bain-Garr District and indicated that E&J Hospital, as a government referral facility, is prepared to serve as custodian.
The Medical Director also highlighted other critical needs of the hospital, including utility vehicles, motorbikes, additional anesthesia machines, patient monitors, oxygen concentrators, and laboratory equipment.
On the installation of the X-ray machine, Dr. Gbengein said work is expected to begin immediately with support from a technician from another health facility, adding that full operation of the machine is anticipated by Monday.
Touching on maternal and child healthcare, he revealed that the hospital currently has two government-trained pediatric specialists who recently returned from advanced training in Kenya. He emphasized the urgent need to establish a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to cater to critically ill newborns, noting that such a unit would require additional specialized equipment.
Dr. Gbengein concluded by calling on government institutions, development partners, and other stakeholders to continue supporting the E&J Medical Center, describing it as a community- and government-owned facility that plays a vital role in serving the people of Nimba County.
He once again expressed gratitude to Vice President Koung for the donation, describing it as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the region.
