By Isatou Fofana
In the recently concluded State of the Nation Address at the National Assembly, President Barrow highlighted his government’s commitment to delivering quality healthcare services to the people of The Gambia, with a strong emphasis on primary healthcare, efficient service delivery, a well-trained healthcare workforce, and strong health care infrastructure.
He mentioned the recent inauguration five new state-of-the-art health facilities in Salikenni, Kiang Jali, Chessay Majaw, Tumana, and Mankamang Kunda respectively, and informed that the construction of the Njau Health Centre is progressing with satisfaction.
As highlighted by the president, all these facilities offer a wide range of services, including primary care, speciality care, diagnostic testing and preventive care.
This milestone marks a new chapter in his mission to enhance the health and wellbeing of all Gambians, thereby ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare.
It could be recalled that on May 16, 2024, the Government inaugurated several health facilities across the country. This marked a significant milestone in the ministry’s efforts to provide accessible healthcare for all citizens.
This state-of-the-art facility is ready to serve the people of the country with advanced medical equipment and dedicated staff.
The President also mentioned that with World Bank support, works are in progress on the National Food and Drugs Quality Control Laboratory at Brusubi, a new biomedical engineering unit, and the National Emergency Treatment Centre in Farato. Completion is expected this year.
“Over the period under review, the Government has allocated two hundred and fifty million Dalasis to procure essential medicines to readily ensure treatment of common communicable diseases, especially for maternal and child health in other to strengthen efficient and quality service delivery to the people of the Gambia.
The government in collaborating with the Global Fund secured a grant of twenty-three, million, four hundred and fifteen thousand, seven hundred and ninety-one dollars to fight Malaria, HIV/AIDS, and Tuberculosis and to strengthen the health system from January 2024 through December 2026, thereby continuing efforts from the 2020-2023 funding cycle.
For 2024, a grant of seven million, eight hundred and fifty-nine dollars has been secured, and an additional grant of twenty-three million, four hundred and fifteen thousand, seven hundred and ninety-one dollars to fight these diseases and to strengthen the health system from January 2024 through December 2026, thereby continuing efforts from the 2020-2023 funding cycle.
Seven million eight hundred and fifty –nine thousand dollars (US$7,859,024) has been awarded to address unfunded demands in strategic areas that include Tuberculosis mitigation, enhanced surveillance and data systems, oxygen and respiratory care, laboratory systems and diagnostic networks, as well as community health worker programmes”.
Similarly, President Barrow informed lawmakers that the Global Fund has committed two million, four hundred thousand dollars to support the installation of a CT scan as part of health system strengthening initiatives.
“As we strive to meet and exceed the healthcare needs of the Gambian population, my government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, expanding service delivery, and utilising international partnerships remains unwavering,” he assured.
He made reference to the postgraduate medical and nursing training programmes, which he said are making a significant difference by strengthening the country’s healthcare workforce.
