Liberia breaks ground on modern operating theater to transform healthcare in Pleebo

LIBERIA—The Government of Liberia has officially broken ground on a modern medical operating theater at the Pleebo Health Center, answering years of persistent calls from residents and healthcare workers.

The ceremony took place on Monday, January 26, 2026, drawing health authorities, county and city officials, legislative representatives, and community leaders who gathered to witness what many described as a transformative moment for the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

The new facility promises to revolutionize medical care for residents of Pleebo City and the surrounding communities, who have long endured the burden of traveling significant distances to access surgical services.

Patients requiring operations have historically faced referrals to distant facilities, often delaying critical treatment and adding financial strain to already vulnerable families.

Four-month construction schedule and modern standards

The Ministry of Health is fully funding the project, with Sherue Construction Company contracted to complete the construction.

Project officials have set an ambitious four-month timeline for completion, emphasizing that the facility will meet contemporary medical standards.

The design also incorporates provisions for future expansion to accommodate the population’s growing healthcare needs.

Medical Director Dr. Prince F. Foko addressed attendees during the groundbreaking ceremony, highlighting the practical impact the operating theater will have on patient care.

He explained that the facility will drastically reduce the number of referrals to J.J. Dossen Referral Hospital by enabling medical staff to perform safe surgical procedures locally.

The theater will accommodate a range of operations, including cesarean sections, hernia repairs, and various other major and minor surgeries that require anesthesia.

Local leaders celebrate long-awaited development

Pleebo City Mayor Larry Geekor expressed profound gratitude during his remarks, calling the project “a dream come true” for the community.

He thanked the national government for responding to the city’s healthcare needs, which residents have long called for.

The mayor emphasized that access to surgical care represents a fundamental right that will now be available to citizens without the hardship of long-distance travel.

Partnership and Support Strengthen Healthcare Delivery

Partners In Health-Liberia has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting the Pleebo Health Center throughout this development.

The organization publicly commended the dedication and resilience of the facility’s medical staff, who have worked under challenging conditions to serve their community.

This partnership adds an important layer of technical support and capacity building as the center prepares to expand its services.

The completion of this operating theater will bring life-saving healthcare services directly to the people of Pleebo and neighboring areas, eliminating barriers that have prevented timely access to essential surgical interventions.

Healthcare workers anticipate that the facility will handle emergency cases more effectively while providing routine surgical care that improves overall community health outcomes.