Editorial: A scandal that cuts deeply: the fake doctor, the hospital and the shadow via VP KOUSS

The fight against Dr. Peter Matthew George on Thursday – a man who rose to the presidency of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association on the back of fake academic evidence – is not just an individual scandal.

It is a national embarrassment.

And it is more disturbing that it shows systemic failures that threaten the public's trust, especially if such deception affects the corridors of political power.

The dr. In Liberia's medical hierarchy without discovery, George was able to climb so far into Liberia's medical hierarchy. The fact that he worked as a Chief Medical Officer in the Esther and Jereline Koung Medical Center, a private hospital, which was founded by Vice President Jeremiah KPAN KOUNG, adds a dimension of political proximity that cannot be ignored.

The hospital, which is known for its partnerships with international medical teams and celebrated its contributions to health care in the Nimba district, is now in the spotlight.

Although there is no public evidence that Vice President Koung was aware of the deception, the cooperation of the hospital with the country's second highest office makes its failures more consistent.

How did someone with fully invented qualifications – supported by a fake conclusion of a university that has not even started to offer medical courses – flow through the cracks?

How thorough was the hiring process in a hospital where surgical missions take place regularly and serves a large population?

Liberians earn answers.

The mere presence of a fake doctor in a medical role on a high level increases serious risks for patient safety, and even perception of political protection or institutional negligence can cause permanent damage to the trust of the public in the healthcare system.

This case also raises doubts about the country's supervisory authorities. If international cooperation required it to uncover this fraud, how many others may practice without examination? The Liberia Medical and Dental Council must continue its login information with urgency and transparency.

In addition, the political class must not treat this as an isolated misstep. Public institutions and private undertakings bound to national leaders have additional responsibility.

If hospitals that are connected to power cannot enforce a basic review of the staff which examples for rural clinics, public hospitals and international partners?

Liberia's health system is already tense. It cannot afford to play its credibility towards negligence and to enable political proximity to cloud the expectation of competence and accountability.

Let this scandal be a wake -up call. The people in Liberia not only earn hospitals – they deserve safe hospitals who are guided by licensed experts and managed free of political shade. A nation's health literally depends on it.