Sinoe County: Garteh Clinic Ceases Operations

By Edwin N. Khakie

GARTEH, Sinoe County, July 20, 2026 – The community clinic in Garteh Town, Sinoe County Electoral District #3, has ceased operations due to lack of medical support, infrastructure, and staffing, according to local sources.

The clinic, constructed through self-help efforts in 2022, has fallen into disrepair, leaving residents without local access to healthcare.

The town, located approximately a one-hour and 45-minute walk from the main road, is now without a functioning health facility, leaving residents vulnerable to preventable illnesses and medical emergencies.

The clinic was built by members of the community in an effort to improve access to healthcare services for residents who previously had to travel long distances to seek medical treatment.

However, the absence of medical personnel, essential drugs, equipment, and institutional support has forced the facility to cease operations, raising concerns about the wellbeing of community members.

Garteh Town Chief John S. Toe stated that while residents remain committed to supporting development initiatives, they are unable to restore the clinic without external assistance.

He said that pregnant women, children, and the elderly are among those most affected by the absence of basic healthcare services.

“Our people built this clinic with their own hands because we believed healthcare is a right for everyone,” Chief Toe said.

“Today, we are appealing to the government and our partners not to allow this building to become a forgotten structure. Our people deserve access to medical services,” he added.

Residents said reaching the nearest health facility often requires traveling considerable distances, creating additional hardships for patients in critical condition.

Community members said the lack of healthcare services exposes them to significant risks, particularly during emergencies when transportation options are limited.

The clinic’s deteriorating condition reflects broader development challenges facing rural communities in Liberia, where residents often supplement government efforts through self-help initiatives despite limited resources.

Residents said that while communities have demonstrated a willingness to contribute to their own development, such efforts require sustained institutional support to ensure long-term success.

The situation in Garteh Town comes as national conversations on healthcare access, rural development, and the equitable distribution of public services continue in Liberia.

Citizens said rural communities should not be left behind in the country’s pursuit of improved healthcare delivery.

Residents called on the Ministry of Health, lawmakers representing Sinoe County, and international development partners to intervene by rehabilitating and equipping the clinic, assigning medical personnel, and ensuring a regular supply of medicines and essential health commodities.

For the people of Garteh Town, the clinic represents more than a building. It is a symbol of hope, sacrifice, and a community’s determination to secure a healthier future.