Stop Step Pharmacy recently opened a clinic called Medicare Clinic
located at Brusubi Turntable, as the company celebrates its one-year
anniversary.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the clinic grounds, Smart Ihekire, the administrator, said Medicare Clinic became operational early this year with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Their mission is to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to the public, he said, adding that it was in line with the ministry of Health’s vision and commitment in ensuring affordable medical care for all.
With the support from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Medicare Clinic has been playing a vital role in the provision of high quality health care services to the public, he added.
“We fully commit ourselves to complementing government efforts in reducing the maternal and child mortality rate,” he said, adding that they maintain a strong relationship with their patients, which extends beyond offering clinical care.
Saihou Sanneh, the matron, said the private sector in health care are stakeholders in complementing the government efforts, by ensuring that health care is available and accessible to the doorsteps of every Gambian and non-Gambian alike.
Sanneh told the gathering that they offer 24 hours services with doctor’s consultation and laboratory services, admission services, X-ray, echocardiograph, electro-cargram (ECG), as well aspelvic, virginal and abdominal scanning.
According to him, they offer antenatal services, emergency obstetric services, gynecology, normal labour and delivery, further stating that they have a colposcopy machine for cervical cancer screening.
They offer free family planning and immunization services, he went on, adding that they have a functional operating theatre, which started in March this year, and from January to date they have registered a total of 6,575 clients out of which they had 369 admissions.
Jennifer Shallop, the daughter of the founder, said the main purpose of establishing this clinic is not just to maximize profits.
Otherwise, there are so many other fast growing businesses that she could have invested in.
However, they chose this as a medium of reaching out to people who may be in need of medical attention but could not afford such, she said.
Dr Omar Sey, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, assured them that his ministry would continue to support and work as partners, while buttressing the issue of affordability, which he said is paramount to Gambians.