By James Myking Suah, LINA Grand Kru Correspondent
Barclayville, April 27 (LINA) – Rally Time Hospital, the main referral facility in Grand Kru County, is set to benefit from a 400-panel solar power installation in a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery and strengthening essential medical services across the county.
According to the hospital’s administrator, Sawlo S. Jlateh, the project is being supported by Plan International Liberia in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. He explained that the initiative is aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of health services for residents throughout the county.
Mr. Jlateh emphasized that once completed, the solar system will help address the hospital’s long standing electricity challenges. He noted that the facility has heavily relied on fuel-powered generators, which are both costly and unsustainable.
Over the past seven months, he said, the hospital has used approximately 60 drums of fuel to maintain operations and provide essential health services.
The transition to solar energy will significantly cut operational costs, ensure a more stable power supply, and ultimately improve patient care, particularly in critical units such as maternity, laboratory, and emergency services, Jlateh added.
Despite the development, Mr. Jlateh raised serious concerns about the deplorable condition of the road leading to the hospital. He said the poor road network continues to hamper the smooth movement of ambulances, especially during emergencies.
He said, the bad road conditions often delay timely medical attention, worsen patients’ conditions, and in some cases increase pain and suffering. Pregnant women are particularly affected, as the difficult journey can lead to complications during childbirth.
He called on county authorities and relevant stakeholders to prioritize rehabilitation of the road, stressing that improving access to the hospital is critical to achieving effective and timely healthcare delivery.