By Amos Harris
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has announced a series of stringent measures aimed at eradicating unqualified individuals from the nation’s health sector. This decisive action follows alarming revelations, including a prominent case involving a well-known medical figure allegedly falsifying his academic credentials.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing over the weekend in Monrovia, LMDC Chairperson Dr. Benetta Collins Andrews disclosed that the Council is significantly intensifying its credential verification process to safeguard public health and uphold professional standards.
“We are stepping up our credentialing system with robust verification. Too many cases of malpractice and credential fraud have come to our attention,” Dr. Andrews declared. She revealed that upon assuming office two years ago, she initiated a comprehensive review of all medical practitioners’ credentials. This review uncovered that Mr. Peter George, former President of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association—a separate pressure and advocacy group—could not provide valid documentation to support his claim of being a licensed medical doctor.
“Mr. George claimed to hold an MD from several institutions, including one in the UK. At one point, he said he graduated from Seville, then Central and Backward, and later the University of Hertfordshire,” Dr. Andrews explained. “We verified his claims through international partners, including the Association of Medical Councils of Africa and regulatory bodies in the UK and US, but found no evidence of his enrollment or graduation.”
Based on the findings from its Credentialing and Ethics Committees, the LMDC promptly revoked Mr. George’s medical license. Dr. Andrews emphasized that this decision was not politically driven but was strictly grounded in due process and professional oversight. “If Mr. George presents valid documentation, we are open to reviewing his case. But as of now, he has not met the basic requirement of proving he holds a legitimate MD degree,” she stated.
Looking ahead, Dr. Andrews outlined plans for the introduction of a robotic credential verification system to further strengthen the Council’s regulatory framework and prevent future fraudulent practices. She also called for increased financial and logistical support to establish regional LMDC offices and enhance digital systems for data verification.
In collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Justice, the LMDC will also focus on enhancing data protection protocols to secure patients’ medical records and prevent unauthorized online exposure.
Dr. Andrews lauded the government’s launch of the National Health Insurance Scheme, noting its potential to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, especially for low-income citizens. “People often die in the terminal stages of illnesses because they can’t afford care. With insurance coverage, they’ll be able to seek treatment earlier without fearing the cost,” she explained.
As the LMDC intensifies its efforts to eliminate malpractice and bolster regulatory standards, Dr. Andrews reaffirmed the Council’s unwavering commitment to protecting the public and aligning its mission with President Joseph Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for inclusive health sector reform.