In fact this reminds of the old adage that ‘health is wealth’ and that no nation can attain greatness in the absence of quality health care services.
It is in the news that a technical medical team from Cape Verde and Built Health International on Tuesday called on the minister of Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh at his office in the Quadrangle in Banjul.
Suffice it to state here that The Gambia is one country that has gone far with respect to different phases in acquiring oxygen plants. So this Cape Verdean team is in the country to familiarise themselves with the processes of these plants.
Therefore, this visit is not only timely and important, but would go a long way in fostering knowledge sharing between health experts in the two countries.
It is also part of broadening and strengthening south-south cooperation, whereby countries share best practices. In this day and age, we need each other to measure our level of progress as a nation.
As rightly stated by the Minister of Health in view of the similar environments set up vis-a-vis our challenges, we might be at different levels in terms of development. A progressive and development oriented nation is one that wants to ensure that it has what is available in other countries in terms of infrastructure to other development needs.
We, therefore applaud the government of The Gambia for its foresight in strengthening the country’s health care. From health infrastructure projects; ensuring access to affordable health care services and to human resource development, the country is indeed on the path to the Promised Land. Yes, the road might be bumpy, but we will certainly get there.
With the level of vigor, determination and political will manifested through the minister of Health and development partners, the country will surely get there.
According to Minister Samateh, currently, there are a number of ongoing works in the health care sector, which include upgrading a number of old and dilapidated health facilities by expanding and modernising them. This alone speaks volume of political will to transform and overhaul the country’s health care needs.
As the development trend continues, Gambians in the not distant future would have little medical services overseas. This is also premised on the fact that a number of students graduating annually from the University of The Gambia.