MONROVIA September 30 (LINA) -Deputy Information Minister for Public Affairs, Atty. Isaac Jackson, has called on doctors and nurses not to allow fear to impede their function and abandon patients outside healthcare facilities.

He urged health practitioners to exert more efforts to prevent curable disease-related deaths.

Deputy Minister Jackson’s call comes in the wake of reports that doctors and nurses in hospitals and clinics are refusing to attend to patients seeking medication for even simple treatable ailments, noting that this has captured national attention in recent weeks.

“We cannot use the fear factor as an excuse for not attending to people who will be coming to hospital with just minor illnesses, people need to adhere to their oath of office,” he said during an Ebola update press briefing held at the Ministry of Information Monday.

It can be recalled that authorities of the Benson Clinic in Paynesville recently rejected a pregnant woman who subsequently delivered on the street.

This incident was repeated during the weekend when the daughter of Montserrado County District #16 Representatives, Edward S. Forh, died at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center due to abandonment.

Minister Jackson disclosed that authorities at the John F. Kennedy Hospital have launched an immediate investigation into the unfortunate incident which occurred over the weekend at the hospital.

“These actions by health workers is disturbing, totally unfair and government will not condone such practice from health facilities and practitioners who should be responsible for saving lives and keeping our people healthy,” Minister Jackson added.

The minister said while every Liberian is consciously striving to follow Ebola safety rules, healthcare workers should also be willing to help people coming into treatment facilities, especially when their illnesses are not Ebola-related.
LINA WSG/JGT/TSS/PTK