The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) through its Chairman, Dr. John Kollie, has threatened to shut down "substandard clinics" operating across the country.

Amongst other things, the LMDC regulates, supervises and licenses the medical sector of the country. According to Dr. Kollie, the council would shut down clinics that are not providing better health care services to the Liberian people. He said any clinic or hospital that does not meet "national or international standards" risk closure by the LMDC.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, July 29, 2013, the LMDC boss said the council would carry out its mandate without fear or favor.

Although Dr. Kollie did not name a particular clinic that risks closure due to poor quality, he pointed out that "substandard clinics" belonging to public officials or politicians are of no exception. He vowed that the Medical and Dental Council would not "compromise quality for quantity" in the health sector of the country.

He urged lawmakers and other public officials wanting to establish a clinic to "liaise with the council to meet the guidelines and criteria" setup.

He said the move by the LMDC is intended to ensure the provision of quality health services to Liberians and other foreign residents. Dr. Mulbah added that the council would not sit supinely and allow non-medical practitioner to provide medical services to patients.

At the same time, Dr. Mulbah disclosed that the LMDC has commenced an assessment of clinics to ascertain the level of qualification of staff, and infrastructure, amongst others.

"There are standards required in anything that you do and this is while the LMDC is making sure that medical practices in our country meet standards. We go to clinics and assess the capacity and credentials to provide services to our people. We will shut down clinics that do not meet the standards to provide quality service for our people. We will shut down the facility of whosoever that doesn't meet standard," he emphasized.

The LMDC boss stressed the need for "conducive health care facilities" to be provided to patients across the country.

He said a better clinic must comprise of a qualified doctor or midwifery, examination room, pharmacy, and proper sanitary condition to appropriately cater to patients.