By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Buchanan– The Stephen A. Tolbert Memorial Hospital, operated by ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) in Buchanan, is receiving widespread praise from residents across Grand Bassa County for providing free, high-quality healthcare.
Once established to serve AML employees and their families, the hospital has expanded its services to the general public, becoming a vital healthcare lifeline in the region.
Local residents have been vocal about the hospital’s positive impact. Angeline Neese, a mother from the Sawmill Community, shared her experience: “I brought my baby here twice, and each time we received excellent care. The staff was attentive and professional.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Mercy Zahn Gboe from Flower Mill stated: “I came here because my cousin’s child was treated so well. My father also brought my little brother, and he received all the necessary medications—for free.”
Gladis Cooper of Kaytor Town emphasized the hospital’s inclusive approach: “Even though my husband doesn’t work for AML, we still receive free treatment. They treat everyone with dignity and respect.”
This broadened access is part of ArcelorMittal Liberia’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, which focuses on improving lives through targeted investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure in communities where the company operates.
According to AML’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Garfee Williams, the hospital now serves a majority non-AML population. “Just last week, we recorded 339 consultations. Of those, 53% were community members not affiliated with AML. AML staff made up only 6%, dependents 19%, and contractors and project employees 22%,” Dr. Williams explained.
To keep pace with rising demand, AML continuously procures essential medicines and supplies based on real-time patient data—ensuring consistent, high-quality care.
Fully aligned with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, the hospital offers a comprehensive range of services including health education, immunizations, antenatal care, family planning, diagnostic imaging (X-ray and ultrasound), laboratory testing, treatment for infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis), and general surgery. Over the past month alone, the facility successfully performed more than 11 major surgical operations.
Dr. Williams reaffirmed AML’s dedication to community health: “We are committed to continuously improving our services to meet the evolving needs of our employees, their families, and the broader community.”
The hospital’s growing role in public healthcare underscores ArcelorMittal Liberia’s long-term vision—not only to contribute to Liberia’s economic development, but to foster lasting improvements in the lives of Liberians, one patient and one community at a time.
