Liberia: UN blue helmets offer medical care at Monrovia Central Prison

Blue helmets serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) have conducted a one-day medical outreach at the overcrowded Monrovia Central Prison, where more than 500 inmates are currently detained.

This initiative by UNMIL’s Pakistani Quick Reaction Force aims to provide the detainees with much-needed medical attention and to treat their various diseases and ailments, the mission said in a news release.

“This is an overcrowded prison,” observed UNMIL Deputy Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Tahir. “The maximum capacity is 150 but there are over 500 inmates and as a result many inmates fall sick. We have doctors, medicines and the knowledge that there are no boundaries for medical outreach,” he said.

The permanent clinic at the prison is understaffed and medical supplies are not readily available. “This is a fortunate day for the prisoners as they can finally be treated for the many illnesses they suffer,” said the Superintendent of the prison, Barsee Dougbakollie, thanking the peacekeepers for their initiative.

The UNMIL Pakistani contingent routinely offers medical services to other areas throughout the country including Tubmanburg, Cestos City, Buchanan, Sinoe and Firestone rubber plantations as part of its humanitarian efforts.