Temporary pharmacy graduates from the class of 2024 intend to stage a demonstration due to unpaid stipends that have been outstanding since January 2.

The demonstration, yet to be scheduled, comes after months of frustration for the graduates who have been working at different healthcare centers throughout Liberia without receiving payment.

The doctors were assured a year of training along with stipends as part of the 2024 budget. Nevertheless, because of bureaucratic holdups, they haven’t been paid yet. The responsibility lies with the Pharmacy Board, which is supposed to distribute these stipends but hasn’t finalized the required paperwork, thus halting the disbursement process.

Even though they were repeatedly assured that the budget would be approved and stipends would be distributed, the doctors still haven’t received their financial assistance.

Several medical professionals spoke under condition of anonymity about their increasing dissatisfaction. One mentioned, “Since January, we have been awaiting some form of relief, but the circumstances remain intolerable.” They continued, highlighting the plight of peers serving in distant locations with challenging environments. The lack of stipends makes it nearly impossible for them to afford essential expenses such as travel or accommodation.

A physician based at a remote clinic shared the challenging truth about practicing medicine without remuneration: “While we remain dedicated to our roles, it’s increasingly unfeasible to keep going without the expected assistance. Many of us find ourselves in precarious situations, which hampers our capacity to carry out our responsibilities effectively.”

The postponement has worsened due to communication problems between the Pharmacy Board and the Civil Service Agency (CSA). The CSA claims that they have forwarded the list of qualified physicians; however, the necessary paperwork was not dispatched to the Ministry of Finance for further action.

This administrative hurdle has caused doctors to feel disheartened regarding the organizations meant to support them. “This situation cannot persist indefinitely,” remarked another physician. “Operating under such challenging circumstances leaves us strained, and essential supplies remain out of reach. While patience was initially our approach, we find ourselves compelled to demonstrate against these injustices until they are rectified.”

Upon reaching out, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto refrained from commenting on the matter, even as the physicians were anticipating a solution.

The delay in stipend payments highlights ongoing challenges within the country’s healthcare system, particularly in rural areas, which already face a shortage of qualified medical professionals.

The situation also raises public health concerns, especially at a time when incidents of unqualified individuals impersonating doctors have alarmed citizens. The absence of trained healthcare professionals in essential facilities could contribute to more widespread health issues and erode public trust in the medical system.

With the demonstration approaching, the Provisional Pharmacists are urging the authorities to address their circumstances urgently and guarantee timely disbursement of their allowances.

“If this problem doesn’t get solved quickly, we might have to rethink our positions and question whether we can keep going under such circumstances,” a physician cautioned.

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