Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Barrow emphasised that the centre reflects his government’s determination to build a resilient healthcare system capable of managing traumatic cases, pandemics, epidemics, and other critical medical conditions.
“With this huge achievement, we have fulfilled a big promise and restored hope and confidence in our healthcare system,” he declared.
The President highlighted the importance of timely and accurate diagnostics, noting that the National Reference Laboratory will improve disease detection, support advanced investigations, and enhance national health security.
The Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, meanwhile, is expected to reduce the need for Gambians to travel abroad for specialised services, offering advanced imaging and early detection capabilities within the country.
President Barrow stressed that infrastructure alone cannot transform healthcare without investment in human capital. The Training and Conference Centre will provide continuous professional development for health workers, while the Biomedical Engineering Unit will service and maintain medical equipment, reducing reliance on foreign expertise.
Looking ahead, the Farato complex is set to expand into a 1,500-bed national teaching hospital, envisioned as The Gambia’s premier centre for specialised healthcare, medical education, research, and innovation. “This is a potential Centre of Excellence,” Barrow said, adding that the facility could position The Gambia as a regional hub for quality healthcare and medical training.
The President acknowledged the growing burden of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, and cardiovascular conditions. He noted that lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the need for resilient health systems to safeguard both national health and economic stability.
President Barrow commended the Ministry of Health, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders for their role in completing the project. He expressed gratitude to the World Bank and other development partners for their continued support, pledging accountability and judicious use of resources.
He urged healthcare professionals to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and integrity, ensuring that the centre becomes “one of enviable excellence, innovation, accountability, and fulfilment for the nation.”
In his closing remarks, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure, improving access to medicines, investing in digital health systems, and reducing overseas medical referrals.
“With pride and honour, I declare The Gambia National Emergency Treatment Centre officially open,” he announced, calling on citizens to support the continuity and stability needed to complete the country’s ambitious healthcare transformation agenda.
