The items included 3 anesthesia machines, 10 pulse-oximeter (portable), 10 suction pump (electric), 10 suction pump (Foot-operated), 8 ultrasound digital scanners with printer, 20 stethoscope, 20 plygmomanometer, and 300 suctures (bobbin of 150cm).
The donated materials, presented at a ceremony held at the Central Medical Stores in Kotu, were received by Health Minister Dr Omar Sey.
The materials are to be further distributed among the identified health care facilities across The Gambia.
Speaking on the occasion, UNFPA assistant country representative, Momodou Mboge, said donating the medical supplies and equipment is part of the agency’s mandate of delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
He said they are confident that the donated materials would go a long way in helping to strengthen health service delivery for mothers and children.
Mr Mboge said since the publication of the report of the assessment of the Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care in The Gambia (MONC), carried in 2012, by Ministry of Health with the support from UNFPA, priority was given for the provision of appropriate medical supplies and improvement to improve the quality of care.
He pointed out that too many women still die during childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications many of which can be prevented or managed, saying the UNFPA is a committed partner in the effort.
“Standing up, speaking up and embracing life will help make the differences for all mothers and babies we want to see living a happy and healthy life in The Gambia,” the UNFPA assistance country rep said.
Dr Omar Sey, the minister of health, said The Gambia is the only country in the developing world that is giving complete free maternal and child health services.
He said the government is looking at not only making maternal and child health services free but also maintaining a high quality service delivery.
Dr Sey said with the donated equipment, they will have quality obstetric and gynecological services.
Saffie Lowe-Ceesay, permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, applauded the UNFPA for “the good gesture”, saying that was not the first time the agency was donating to the ministry.
In a similar development, Riders for Health, through the International Development Bank (IDB), has also donated six new ambulances to the Ministry of Health.The vehicles are geared towards quality service delivery in the health sector.
