-Says It Serves Employees and Port Community
The Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), Hon. Sekou A. M. Dukuly, today marked a significant milestone in the port’s commitment to community health and safety by dedicating its first-ever ambulance. This state-of-the-art medical vehicle is intended to significantly improve emergency response capabilities for NPA employees and the wider port community, including residents and businesses operating around the Freeport of Monrovia.
A Step Towards Enhanced Healthcare Services
Prior to the dedication ceremony, Hon. Dukuly took time to visit the recently refurbished Port Clinic, a vital healthcare facility serving thousands of individuals involved in port activities and nearby communities. During the visit, he inspected the clinic’s improvements, which include new medical supplies, modern equipment, and an upgraded pharmacy stocked with essential drugs provided by the NPA Management. These enhancements are part of the authority’s broader strategy to support health infrastructure within the port environment.
Acknowledging the Clinic’s Critical Role
Welcoming Hon. Dukuly to the clinic, the head nurse, Ms. Tenneh Kota, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the continuous support from the NPA. She highlighted the clinic’s daily operations, which see an average of sixty patients receiving treatment for various treatable illnesses such as malaria, flu, wounds, and minor injuries. Ms. Kota emphasized that the clinic’s services are vital not only for port workers but also for the surrounding community members who depend on the facility for accessible healthcare.
Leadership’s Commitment to National Healthcare Goals
In his remarks, Hon. Dukuly praised the dedication of the clinic’s medical staff and reaffirmed the NPA’s commitment to national health initiatives. He highlighted the strong alignment with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s pledge to bolster Liberia’s healthcare system. The President has repeatedly emphasized strengthening health infrastructure, training healthcare personnel, and ensuring equitable access to quality medical services across the country. Hon. Dukuly stated, “The President’s vision is clear: a healthier Liberia is a stronger Liberia, and the NPA is proud to contribute to this national goal.”
Reflections on the Port’s Community Role
Drawing from his personal experiences around the Freeport, Hon. Dukuly acknowledged the port’s historical importance as Liberia’s economic lifeline and its evolving role as a community hub. Beyond facilitating trade and commerce, the port has long served as a focal point for community development and social services, including health and safety initiatives. He pledged that the NPA would continue to invest in infrastructure and services that benefit workers and residents alike.
Celebrating a Milestone in Emergency Response
The highlight of the event was the official dedication of the new ambulance — a first in the NPA’s history. The ambulance, equipped with modern medical tools, sirens, and communication devices, is designed to provide rapid response in case of medical emergencies within the port area and surrounding neighborhoods. Hon. Dukuly expressed pride in this achievement, noting that it exemplifies the NPA’s proactive approach to worker safety and community wellbeing.
He announced that the Management team is also working diligently to procure a second ambulance, which would extend emergency services to neighboring communities around the Freeport of Monrovia, thereby strengthening the port’s role as a beacon of health and safety in Liberia.
Looking Forward
This initiative underscores the NPA’s broader vision of integrating health, safety, and community development into its core operations. By investing in emergency response capabilities and healthcare infrastructure, the port aims to set a benchmark for other institutions in Liberia. Hon. Dukuly concluded by reaffirming the NPA’s commitment to supporting President Boakai’s developmental agenda and ensuring that the port remains a pillar of progress for Liberia.
