The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Health; Ways, Means and Finance; and Judiciary to thoroughly review a proposed bill aimed at establishing the Paynesville Comprehensive Referral Hospital (PCRH).
The decision was reached after Montserrado County Electoral District #4 Representative, Atty. Michael Thomas, formally submitted the draft legislation during a session of the House, requesting Plenary’s consideration.
In his communication, Rep. Thomas cited Chapter 10, Article 89 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which grants the Legislature authority to enact laws creating agencies and institutions necessary for the effective functioning of government. He explained that the proposed hospital is intended to operate as a specialized medical facility providing referral-level care for patients with serious illnesses and disabilities.
Rep. Thomas highlighted that the Du-port Road Public Health Center, currently one of the major healthcare facilities serving Paynesville, is severely overstretched. He disclosed that the center treats more than 150 patients each day, with approximately 60 percent being pregnant women, 15 percent trauma-related cases, and the remaining 25 percent patients suffering from other medical conditions.
In light of the increasing demand for quality healthcare services, Rep. Thomas noted that community leaders, health professionals, and other stakeholders have recommended upgrading the Du-port Road Public Health Center into a full-fledged referral hospital. Such a transformation, he said, would significantly enhance healthcare delivery for residents of Paynesville and neighboring communities.
He subsequently presented the bill to the 55th Legislature, proposing the creation of a government institution to be known as the Paynesville Comprehensive Referral Hospital. The facility, if established, would serve as a referral hospital, trauma and maternity center, and a public health institution for the City of Paynesville.
Following initial discussions, Plenary agreed to forward the draft bill to the relevant committees for detailed examination and recommendations before any further legislative action is taken.
