Opposition Senator Saah Joseph is advocating for a US$10 million Special Medical Fund aimed at addressing the increasing number of deaths linked to cancer and heart complications in Liberia. As part of the 2025 Draft National Budget currently up for consideration by the Liberian Senate, Senator Joseph proposes that US$5 million be allocated to equip specialized doctors to enable them to offer advanced medical services within the country, while the other US$5 million is intended for Liberians who require treatment for these serious health issues abroad. He emphasizes that the alarming rate of fatalities caused by cancer and heart-related diseases justifies this investment, arguing that such a fund would directly benefit citizens by making healthcare more accessible and efficient.
During a senate plenary session on November 26, 2024, Joseph presented his proposal, underscoring its urgency as part of broader discussions on the country’s budget. He insists that the proposed fund would help address the current healthcare gap, particularly regarding conditions that often necessitate referrals to foreign medical facilities due to the lack of specialist care in Liberia. Joseph estimates it would take US$5 million to properly equip local healthcare providers to handle these serious illnesses, thereby keeping more patients within the Liberian healthcare system rather than sending them abroad for treatment.
Joseph has expressed the need for strong management and oversight of the fund, suggesting that a dedicated unit within the Ministry of Health be established for this purpose. This unit would be responsible for approving patients for the fund based on professional medical diagnoses, a measure he believes would prevent any potential misuse of the resources. He notes that the funding is derived from the national budget, underscoring that it is ultimately the people’s money intended for their benefit. Joseph passionately argues that, given the absence of a comprehensive healthcare insurance system in Liberia, the government has a fundamental responsibility to address the health needs of its citizens.
He draws attention to the dire circumstances faced by many Libyans who are unable to afford treatment for severe health issues. Highlighting personal stories, he recounts how a close acquaintance who began cancer treatment ultimately succumbed to the disease, and he also notes the tragic fate of young children facing heart complications. The limited access to life-saving treatments is indicative of a healthcare system struggling to meet the needs of its population; Joseph’s concern is that people are left without options, leading many to face dire situations without adequate medical care.
Senator Joseph also cites Ghana as a successful model of healthcare provision, noting how the country facilitates access to professional medical treatment through international collaborations and well-equipped facilities. He urges his colleagues in the Senate to consider implementing similar measures to uplift Liberia’s healthcare capabilities. By ensuring specialized training and proper equipment are available locally, Senator Joseph believes that many lives can be saved, and more citizens can receive prompt medical attention rather than waiting for treatment abroad.
With a history of contributing to health crisis responses in Liberia, particularly during the Ebola outbreak in 2013, Senator Joseph’s advocacy for improved healthcare provision is both timely and critical. His call for the Special Medical Fund reflects a commitment to the health and well-being of Liberians. As the Senate reviews the National Budget, he aims to mobilize support from his peers to recognize the urgent need for enhanced healthcare services and to initiate steps that would effectively stem the tide of preventable deaths resulting from cancer and heart conditions in the country.
