11/08/2025
CB Dunbar Hospital Clarifies Medical Service Fee Charges Under Government’s Cost-Sharing Policy; Not a “Guest House” Charge
August 9, 2025
The administration of C.B. Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital has dismissed claims circulating on social media and in some news outlets that it is charging patients “guest house–style” fees, describing the reports as misleading and lacking context.
The clarification follows the Government of Liberia’s recent introduction of a Community Revolving Drugs Fund and Cost-Sharing Scheme across all government-run health facilities.
Implemented by the Ministry of Health, the policy is designed to sustain essential drug supplies, improve service delivery, and address budget shortfalls, particularly after the withdrawal of some NGOs from the health sector.
Under the policy, patients admitted to specific hospital wards are required to pay a one-time admittance service fee.
This fee covers the cost of initial treatment, medication, and related services for the duration of the patient’s stay in the ward.
In line with this provision, CB Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital has reduced the Emergency Room (ER) admission service fee from L$2,000 to L$500.
Meanwhile, given the circumstances of the patient’s medical condition, the L$500 covers initial medications and related care for patients admitted to the ER until their discharge.
Importantly, the L$500 ER fee applies only to patients admitted to the Emergency Room, not to all hospital visitors or those receiving outpatient care.
For comparison, the admittance fee for the Labor Ward is L$800, while the Gynecology (GYN) Ward is L$1,000. These are one-time payments per admission, not nightly charges as some reports have falsely claimed.
Hospital Administrator Mr. Enoch Kermue Darwolo Morris Sr. emphasized that these adjustments are aimed at easing the financial burden on residents while ensuring the hospital can maintain operations and replenish medical supplies.
Mr. Morris made it emphatically clear that the hospital's administration ensures that nurses or doctors on shift provide initial treatment to patients while their relatives or caregivers make payments for their medical services, especially during emergency cases.
CB Dunbar Comprehensive Hospital’s administrator is urging residents of B**g County and its catchment communities to seek accurate information from its administration or the County Health Team to avoid the spread of misinformation.
