Liberian News: AMEU University Pays Medical Bills For Overstayed Patients at JFK Memorial Hospital
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Othello S. Nimely
Monrovia– In a touching act of charity, the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) has cleared the medical bills of 24 patients who had overstayed at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital (JFK) due to their inability to settle their expenses. Some of the patients had been discharged as far back as four months ago but remained stranded at the hospital because they could not afford their bills — some of which were as low as $30 USD.
The intervention by AMEU on Saturday June 6 2025 is part of the university’s 30th-anniversary celebrations. Speaking during the bill-paying ceremony, the President of AMEU, Rev. Alvin Attah, emphasized that the university’s goodwill gesture aligns with its commitment to social responsibility and community impact.
“This is not just a gesture of giving; it is a reaffirmation of our duty to humanity,” Mr. Attah stated. “No one should be left behind or confined to a hospital bed simply because they lack the financial means to pay.”
In addition to settling the bills, AMEU also donated essential items to mothers with newborns who were receiving care at the facility. The donation included diapers, baby clothes, baby wipes, and other supplies aimed at easing the burden of new mothers.
Perhaps most notably, Rev. Attah also announced that the university will provide educational assistance to interested mothers through its vocational education school. “Empowering these mothers with skills will help them become self-reliant and better able to care for their families,” he said.
Though the exact amount paid by AMEU was not disclosed, hospital administrators estimate the total value of the cleared bills to be around $10,000 USD.
The gesture was warmly received by the hospital administration. Madam Davietta Sirleaf, Administrator of the JFK Maternity Center, expressed deep appreciation for the support.
“We are overwhelmed by this generosity,” Madam Sirleaf said. “Overcrowding remains a serious challenge, and the inability of patients to pay their bills only worsens the situation. Daily feeding and care for patients is a heavy burden on the hospital.”
She called on other institutions, organizations, and individuals to emulate AMEU’s example and help alleviate the struggles many patients face.
One of the freed patients, Maita A. Kromah, shared her emotional reaction: “I am so grateful. I’ve been here, and didn’t know how I was going to leave. Today, I’m going home. I feel happy.”
AMEU’s act of compassion has brought renewed hope to those who had been left in limbo, and their contribution is a timely reminder of the power of community and kindness.
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
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