The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Managing Director of Gambia National Petroleum Company (GNPC), Modou Badjie, Managing Director of Assets Management and Recovery Corporation (AMRC), Saikou Badjie, Chief of Bondali, Bakary Dembo Badjie, the National Assembly member for the area, council of elders, women groups and staff of QCELL.
The Bondali Clinic was fully refurbished with free electricity supply by QCELL GSM Company in collaboration with GEF, UNIDO and the Government of The Gambia.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Minister of Health, Omar Sey, said it was abundantly clear that health is a key priority area of the government.
“This is why there is effort in increasing the number of healthcare facilities for all Gambians and non-Gambians, so that everyone can have accessible and affordable care by 2020,” he said.
The government of The Gambia is committed to consolidating the gains made with the Millennium Development Goals as the world moves in that direction, especially in reducing the infant and maternal morbidity and mortality, he added.
These could not be possible without a functioning health system in the form of an appropriate and conducive environment for staff and patients, he said.
Health Minister Sey further noted that it is not an easy task for government to handle alone and, therefore, greatly values the contribution of individuals, institutions, agencies and organisations in achieving the goal of health for all by 2020.
He acknowledged the tremendous assistance of QCELL Company for refurbishing and upgrading the Bondali Clinic, and he thanked them for that.
Minister Sey also assured the beneficiaries of the health facility that his ministry would do all it could to support the operations of the facility with personnel, equipment and drugs.
They would also supervise and monitor, as well as make recommendations to the management committee to enhance service delivery, he added.
“I wish to assure you of the commitment of the government in improving the health of the people of the country.”
Muhammed Jah, Chief Executive Officer of QCELL, said one of the objectives of the Q-Group is not only to create employment, but also to make sure that the development agenda of the President is being adhere to.
He added that the Q-Group is one of the biggest employers in the country, while he commended their partners in making the event a reality and assured the community of Bondali of his continued support in realising their dream.
Also speaking, the regional Director of Health Service, Western 11 health region, Ngally Aboubacarr Sambou, said QCELL Company under the directive of Muhammed Jah is a testimony of history in the making, in the strengthening of primary healthcare services, particularly for women and children.
He added that the government could not do it all alone and that partnership and collaboration was crucial to sustainable development, as manifested by QCELL Company.
He commended Muhammed Jah and QCELL Company for the excellent job, and added that they are grateful for the steady and continued support.
In his welcome remarks, the Alkalo of Bondali village, Modou Colley, expressed his appreciation of the intervention of QCELL, adding that the health centre was in a poor state.
He said the importance attached to the health centre could not be over emphasized, because women who are at labour travel all the way to Bwiam for delivery, but now it will be a thing of the past.
The Chief of Foni Bondali who is also the Director General Gambia Livestock Marketing Agency, Alhaji Bakary Dembo Badjie, also expressed similar sentiments, and commended Muhammed Jah for boosting not only the community of his district, but all Gambians as health is the number one priority in life.
