Liberians are voicing strong opposition to a proposed fee policy at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, the nation’s largest referral health facility. A leaked memo revealed that, effective August 1, the hospital has scrapped free care for children under five and now requires pregnant women to pay before admission.

The move has sparked widespread criticism from citizens, civil society groups, and political leaders who argue that it threatens access to essential healthcare for the most vulnerable.

Many fear the policy will worsen health outcomes, especially amid rising living costs and economic hardship across the country.

Calls are mounting for the government to reverse the decision and uphold its commitment to equitable, accessible healthcare for all Liberians.