–for increase budgetary allocation, vows to clean up the sector
IPNEWS: The Managing Director of the Liberia Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Authority (LMHRA) Dr. Luke Bawo, has commended the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), for increasing the institution’s budgetary allocation.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s weekly press briefing on Thursday, November 27, 2025, the LMHRA boss described the additional funding as a crucial investment in Liberia’s health security. He emphasized that the support will significantly strengthen LMHRA’s technical and operational capacity to fulfill its expanded mandate.
“We beg you indulgence to please step the allocation up a little bit to enable us attain 100% geographic coverage. We are prepared for that challenge; all we need is the trust of our superior and the support for our endeavors. We vow to clean up the sector, restore public confidence in the health products that are in circulation and protect the health of the Liberia people,” he appealed.
Dr. Bawo reiterated LMHRA’s core mandate to protect Liberians from the harmful effects of substandard and falsified medicines. He noted that the institution is working tirelessly to reinforce its role through robust and proactive regulation across the health sector
He added: “Our ultimate goal is to safeguard the health of the Liberian people. Every citizen deserves access to trustworthy health products, and every family deserves the peace of mind that comes from knowing their wellbeing is prioritized. With enhanced allocation and unwavering support, we will protect lives, strengthen communities, and contribute to the long-term resilience of Liberia’s healthcare system,”
Highlighting recent achievements, he pointed to the removal and safe disposal of expired health products from 10 counties, including major facilities such as JFK Medical Center, Redemption Hospital, and the Central Medicines Store.
“We are making significant progress in our quest to acquire international accreditation for our Regulatory Authority. Our newly established Quality Control Unit is working around the clock to ensure that we meet all the benchmark in order to attain WHO Maturity Level-3. Similarly, we are also vigorously pursuing ISO-17025 certification for our laboratory which would place Liberia on the international map for reliable product testing and verification.” he added.
Dr. Bawo announced the approval of a Public-Private Partnership agreement to modernize LMHRA’s Quality Control Laboratory in Careysburg. He said the collaboration with Quality Management Solutions (QMS) will be instrumental in acquiring ISO-17025 certification and enhancing national capacity for quality assurance.
. “This collaboration harnesses private sector expertise and efficiency to enhance our internal quality management and regulatory oversight capabilities,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Dr. Bawo disclosed plans to introduce electronic traceability for all health products entering Liberia, a system he said will improve accountability and transparency in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
He also revealed that by December 31, 2025, LMHRA will inaugurate a state-of-the-art Health Care Waste Disposal Infrastructure in Koko Town, Lower Margibi County. The facility, funded by the Global Fund through Plan-Liberia, sits on a five-acre plot and will feature a self-loading incinerator, warehouses, generators, bottle crushers, monitoring wells, decantation pits, and office space.
‘The Ministry of Health has committed to funding the extension of electricity from the main road to the site. Similarly, the Ministry of Public Works has responded to our request to grade the six-mile road leading to the facility,” Dr. Bawo said.
With these initiatives, LMHRA has vowed to restore public confidence in Liberia’s health products and ensure the safety and reliability of medicines across the country.
Meanwhile, the facility belongs to the Government of Liberia
