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JFK Medical Center

Strategic Plan for Transformation of JFK Medical Center

Following 14 years of civil war, which destroyed most of Liberia’s health infrastructure, efforts are underway to return Liberia’s JFK Medical Center into the outstanding tertiary and teaching hospital it once was for Liberia and the rest of West Africa. The JFK Medical Center was established in Monrovia in 1968 with a $6.8 million contribution from the United States and $1 million from the government of Liberia. The center operated as one of the largest and most technically sophisticated medical facilities in West Africa. In 1978 the U.S. ended its support for the center. A coup in Liberia in 1980 led to a severe economic situation and debt burden for the country. Compounded by civil conflict and economic struggles, the hospital slowly reduced its services until finally closing.

With the leadership of Liberia under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and international assistance, JFK Medical Center has reopened its doors and is gradually rebuilding the decaying facility. Health Systems 20/20 is working with the leadership of the center and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) to develop a strategic plan for the hospital. Extensive interviews with a diverse group of stakeholders have taken place and a planning group, consisting of the leadership of JFK, members of the Board of Trustees, and key staff, has been formed. The group is working on the following five top strategic initiatives:

• Develop a master plan for JFK with detailed implementation steps
• Reorganize and strengthen administration and finance at JFK
• Recruit and train staff for JFK
• Recruit and train people for the Liberian health care system
• Strengthen relationship between JFK and MOHSW