GANTA, Nimba County – Victor Doolakeh Taryor has resigned as chief administrator of Ganta United Methodist Hospital (GUMH) after eight years of service.

The farewell program was attended by a cross-section of hospital staff and representatives of the Liberia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church (LAC/UMC).

Taryor obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Cuttington University in 2002. He then received a graduate certificate in Health Policy and Administration from the University of North Carolina in 2006, through the school’s Humphrey Fellowship program.  During his 29 years of service to LAC/UMC, he served in various positions, including staff Nurse, Nursing Service Director, Associate Administrator and Chief Administrator.

Taryor oversaw several infrastructural developments after the hospital faced ruins from the civil war. These included the construction of the fistula treatment center and additional latrine facilities, electrifying the campus, and the expansion of the labor & pre-dental wards. Other achievements include the renovation of the hospital’s surgical wing and the enlargement of the dental clinic. He was also instrumental in the construction of additional residence for senior staff and foreign doctors, overhaul of the eye clinic and erection of six extra private wards for adults.

Taryor being honored with traditional garments

Taryor also initiated programs such as the Nurse Dental Practitioner Service and Training; the Surveillance, Monitoring, and Evaluation Office; the HIV/AIDS Care & Treatment Unit and the Emergency Service Unit.

Dr. David Kailian, acting Hospital Board chair, spoke on the contributions of the former administrator saying, “Mr. Taryor was a true administrator who would stay up all night to see things done the right way. One thing I will always remember him for is the establishment of the Child Survival Program at the hospital.” The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) now supports the program, creating additional employment by the hospital for Liberian communities.

Mrs. Victoria Tomah, the United Methodist Church health coordinator, also praised Taryor for his exemplary leadership.

Nora Keah-Sandi, who now serves as acting administrator, thanked the outgoing leader for his contributions to the hospital and promised to follow suit. Keah-Sandi served under Taryor as Nurse Director before being promoted to her current position.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Albert Willicor, also made some remarks during the ceremony, noting that Taryor’s collective working relationship with staff members.

Mary Zeigboe spoke on behalf of members of the General Board of Global Ministry (GBGM), attributing the success and achievements of the former administrator to his innovation and work ethic. Taryor succeeded Zeigboe in 2006 as the hospital’s Chief Administrator.

Taryor concluded his farewell message explaining that he never intended on becoming a nurse, and instead preferred social and humanitarian work. He explored the option, upon Mary Zeigboe’s advice, and counts it as one of his proudest decisions.

Featured image courtesy of GUMH Facebook group