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ADNews-Monrovia,Liberia: The President of the Liberia National Physician Assistants Association, Theophilis Fayiah, is calling on Civil Service Agency (CSA) Director-General Josiah Joekai to overturn the suspension of seven health workers at Phebe Hospital in Suakoko, Bong County, following a protest that halted the daily activities of the facility.
By Contributing Writer
The health workers were suspended for one month without pay following a two-day strike action aimed at addressing concerns about the hospital’s working conditions and system management.
During a press briefing at the Ministry of Information, Deputy Minister Daniel O. Sando disclosed that the suspensions were issued pending investigation.
According to the Ministry, the decision followed a meeting convened by the CSA Director-General, who described the protest as a violation of Civil Service Standing Orders. The Agency further alleged that some workers obstructed access to the hospital, prevented colleagues from reporting to duty, and exposed patients to public view during a live media broadcast.
Meanwhile, authorities are also considering the transfer of three senior administrators, including the hospital’s Medical Director, Human Resource Manager, and Administrator.
However, Mr. Fayiah has criticized Joekai’s actions, accusing him of escalating tensions instead of resolving the issues at the hospital. He argued that the CSA boss lacked a full understanding of themMemorandum of Understanding between the hospital, run by the Lutheran Church of Liberia, and the Government of Liberia.
Fayiah described the suspensions as acts of intimidation and demanded an apology from the CSA Director-General. He maintained that health workers had previously announced their intention to strike if their concerns were not addressed, while CSA failed to act proactively.
“We will not take this lightly,” Fayiah stated, emphasizing the association’s readiness to defend the rights of its members.
Despite criticizing the CSA, Fayiah commended Louise Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health, for her intervention in resolving the crisis.
Following discussions with the Minister, health workers agreed to call off their strike and resume normal duties, citing confidence in her commitment to review their concerns.
Fayiah praised the Minister for demonstrating leadership, while reiterating that the suspensions should be reconsidered in the interest of maintaining morale and stability within the health sector.
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