Liberia Medical and Dental Council - LMDC

04/07/2025

Leadership Transition at the LMDC
- Dr. Ayun K. Cassell III Elected as New Chairperson of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council

The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), during its July 2025 Council meeting, elected Dr. Ayun K. Cassell III, FICS, FLCS, FACS, as its new Chairperson and Theophilus Tamba Fayiah re-elected as Co-chair.

Dr. Cassell succeeds Dr. Benetta Collins-Andrews, who completed her term and opted not to seek re-election. Dr. Collins-Andrews served with distinction, leading transformational reforms that strengthened LMDC’s institutional capacity and its impact across Liberia’s healthcare system. Her legacy of excellence, collaboration, and service will continue to inspire LMDC and the broader health community.

Dr. Cassell is no stranger to LMDC. He has served on various committees and, during his internship, led a team of interns in monitoring and clinical supervision on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) across several hospitals.

With over 12 years of medical experience and a strong background in healthcare regulation, Dr. Cassell brings a wealth of expertise and a bold vision to the Council. A renowned Urological Surgeon, who previously served as President of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association, currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Urology and Consultant Urologist at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, under the Department of Surgery and the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr. Cassell’s academic and clinical contributions focus on urogenital malignancies, including prostate, bladder, kidney, and pe**le cancers. He has co-authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications, peer-reviewed more than 100 manuscripts, and authored three academic editorials. He is an esteemed fellow and member of several international professional bodies, including:
- American College of Surgeons
- International College of Surgeons
- American Urological Association
- Faculty of Surgical Trainers – Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Dr. Cassell earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine, fellow by examination of the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons faculty of Surgery and completed his Urology Fellowship at Hôpital Général Idrissa Pouye in Dakar, Senegal. He also holds multiple international certifications in surgical and urological care.

Notably, in 2021, Dr. Cassell and his late wife, Lydia Olasupo, co-founded UROCARE, a specialized clinic offering urological services to the Liberian population.

Beyond his clinical and academic work, Dr. Cassell has served in various teaching and leadership roles, including as a lecturer at United Methodist University and African Methodist Episcopal Zion University, and as a volunteer with the Liberia National Red Cross Society.

The LMDC warmly welcomes Dr. Ayun K. Cassell III and looks forward to a continued path of excellence and innovation in medical regulation across Liberia.

Theophilus Tamba Fayiah, who will serve his second term as Co-chair, will be inducted into office with Dr. Cassell on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Ground Round.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Cassell and thanking Dr. Benetta Collins-Andrews for her dedicated service to the Council and the nation.

Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia
World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Organization Liberia West African College Of Surgeons

25/06/2025

LMDC Issues Alert on Non-Accredited Status of AIUWA Medical Program

In line with its role as an internationally recognized regulatory body for medical practice, the Liberia Medical and Dental Council(LMDC) has been officially informed by the Medical and Dental Council of The Gambia that the undergraduate medical program at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, American International University West Africa is NOT ACCREDITED by the Medical and Dental Council of The Gambia. This means that medical training at said institution is not legitimate. In view of this, the Liberia Medical and Dental Council will reevaluate all medical credentials emanating from the American International University West Africa (AIUWA) as per the time of non-accreditation.

Additionally, the general public is strongly advised to discontinue all admission’s endeavors to AIUWA as the LMDC will not recognize any medical degree issued by AIUWA as per the time of non-accreditation.

Kindly consider this as a matter of serious concern as proper credentialing to practice medicine is non negotiable!

Message approved by Dr. Benetta Collins Andrews
Chairperson, LMDC

24/06/2025

24/06/2025

LMDC Media Engagement

23/06/2025

Join the Registrar General, Dr. Augustus Garlet Quiah tonight on LNTV, Liberia Today for insights into the operations of the LMDC at 8:00 am.

22/06/2025

Broken Promises: CRC, MOPP, and Golden-SIFCA Fail to Act After LMDC’s March 2025 Inspection

It can be recalled that in March 2025, a delegation led by Dr. Bennetta Collins‑Andrews, Chairperson of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), conducted a clinical monitoring and inspection visit to Cavalla Hospital. During the visit, the team expressed serious concerns about the poor quality of healthcare services being provided and urged the facility to make immediate improvements. The LMDC emphasized that Cavalla Hospital needed to meet national healthcare standards in order to serve the surrounding communities more effectively.

It was noted that Cavalla Hospital was being operated through a partnership involving key agricultural and industrial players: the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC), the Maryland Oil Palm Plantation (MOPP), and Golden‑SIFCA—a joint venture between Golden Veroleum Liberia and the Ivorian agro-industrial conglomerate SIFCA. These companies were reminded of their corporate social responsibilities under existing concession agreements, including the obligation to provide adequate healthcare services to residents of Maryland County.

Despite this warning, the companies failed to act on the LMDC’s recommendations. As a result of continued neglect and non-compliance, Cavalla Hospital was eventually shut down. This closure stands as a direct consequence of the failure by CRC, MOPP, and Golden‑SIFCA to fulfill their responsibilities, despite prior notice and the LMDC's urgent call for action.

20/06/2025

CRC Hospital in Pleebo Shut Down for Violations of Health Standards

Pleebo, Maryland County – The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has ordered the closure of the Cavalla Rubber Corporation (CRC) health facility in Pleebo, Maryland County, due to gross violations of national healthcare standards.

Following a recent inspection, LMDC found that the facility was operating without a licensed doctor and limited qualified healthcare professionals to serve the surrounding population. The hospital was also found to have poor sanitation, lacked essential medical equipment, and failed to maintain proper drug management systems.

Inspectors reported that the facility was limited to conducting only rapid malaria tests and was unable to provide basic clinical services. Despite repeated warnings from LMDC, CRC failed to address these critical gaps.

Under its social development agreement, CRC is obligated to provide adequate healthcare, education, and housing for its staff and dependents. However, ongoing reports from health workers and residents point to deteriorating conditions within the plantation camps, including insufficient medical staff, erratic power supply, a lack of essential drugs, and unsafe water and sanitation facilities.

20/06/2025

LMDC Shuts Down GVL Clinics in Sinoe for Violating Health Standards

Sinoe County, Liberia – The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has ordered the immediate closure of three clinics operated by Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) in Butaw, Tarjouwon, and Kpanyan Districts, citing multiple violations of national healthcare standards. GVL has operated in Liberia since 2010 under a concession agreement set to expire in 2075.

According to Joseph Colmah, Clinical and Research Director at LMDC, the clinics were found to be understaffed, lacking adequate professional medical personnel during the LMDC’s inspection. Inspectors also reported improper disposal of medical waste and generally unsanitary conditions.

Additional issues included poor drug management, inadequate record-keeping systems, and the absence of essential infrastructure such as medical waste incinerators.“

The continued operation of these clinics in such poor condition is unacceptable,” Colmah said, adding that previous warnings had been ignored by GVL.

The closures are part of an ongoing national health assessment led by the LMDC, which aims to improve regulatory compliance and healthcare quality across the country. The LMDC has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe and quality healthcare for all Liberians.

17/06/2025

Update:
National Health Assessment Team Reaches Southeastern Counties, Identifies Gaps and Progress

Greenville, Sinoe County – The ongoing national health assessment has reached the southeastern region, with teams having completed work in Rivercess County and currently operating in Greenville, Sinoe County. This annual initiative of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), in collaboration with county health teams, aims to assess healthcare service delivery, regulatory compliance, and facility standards across the country.

The assessment has been strengthened through partnerships that ensure a coordinated approach to health system improvement. It can be recalled, during the tenure of Dr. Linda Birch, a strategic collaboration between the LMDC and the Ministry of Health (MOH) enabled the deployment of county-level health representatives to act as liaisons in regions where the LMDC does not have a permanent presence, due to limited human resources.

Despite notable progress, the team encountered significant logistical challenges. Several health facilities remain difficult to access due to off-road conditions in hard-to-reach areas and seasonal flooding. In Rivercess County, for instance, high water levels in the Cesto River prevented the team from crossing to certain areas.

The assessment identified some facilities providing health services without current LMDC accreditation. While these institutions play an important role in serving hard-to-reach populations, operating without proper registration raises regulatory and safety concerns.

However, due to the critical services these facilities provide in remote areas, immediate closure was deferred to ensure continuity of essential care. Provisional closure notices were issued, requiring the facilities to meet legal registration requirements within three weeks. County Clinical Supervisors (liaisons) were instructed to monitor compliance and, in cases of failure to meet the deadline, proceed with the shutdown of non-compliant operations.

The national health assessment is a crucial step in strengthening Liberia’s healthcare delivery system. It enables the government to:

- Identify gaps in regulatory compliance
- Ensure quality and safety in health services
- Enhance accountability and oversight
- Support strategic planning for health workforce deployment and infrastructure

Stay tuned for updates as the assessment continues, an essential step toward achieving universal health coverage and improving health outcomes nationwide.

Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia

16/06/2025

Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 17, the Ministry of Health’s "Road to Health" Radio Show on ELBC (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM) will host Dr. Benetta Collins Andrews, Chairperson, and Dr. Augustus Garlet Quiah, Registrar General.

Make it a time to tune in!

16/06/2025

Update:LMDC Begins National Health Assessment Today After Digital System Refresher

Monrovia – The Liberian Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) has officially kicked off its National Health Assessment this morning, with its teams of clinicians and supervisors hitting the road. This follows the successful conclusion of a comprehensive refresher training focused on the digital assessment system, led by Eddie Payne, Director of Information Technology and Communications (ITC) at LMDC.

With all preparations finalized, the teams are now deploying across the country to commence the nationwide assessment. Payne had emphasized the importance of the refresher training, stating, "The refresher training was intended to ensure clinicians and supervisors are able to navigate the digital assessment system and can easily resolve minor glitches while on the field."

Audio credit: Music: Harmony - Musician: Ikson License: https://ikson.com/track/57/harmony

06/06/2025

LMDC Excerpts from Thursday, June 5 MICAT Press Briefing