The initiative aims to strengthen hospital management, infection control, and the integration of traditional and modern medicine within the Gambian health system.
Speaking at the opening, Dr. Abdoulie Keita, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), commended the People’s Republic of China for its continued support to The Gambia’s health sector.
He said China has been a long-time friend and partner, recalling the vital role played by Bansang Hospital in the country’s health service delivery through Chinese support.
“As head of department, I can say we have been major beneficiaries of this partnership, particularly in capacity building and equipment support. Two of my junior staff are currently in China undergoing specialised training in gynaecology and minimal access surgery,” Dr. Keita said.
He described China as a model for developing nations, citing the country’s rise through “hard work, dedication, and patriotism,” lessons he said Gambians should emulate.
Dr. Keita added that the training will help participants improve human resource and material management within their respective institutions, enhancing the overall performance of the national health system.
“When work starts at eight, it means eight and when they say they will finish by three, it might take them until midnight, but they finish. That dedication is something we must learn and put into practice as Gambians,” he stressed.
Speaking on behalf of the Chinese medical team, Ren Yan, Vice President of Xi Yuan Hospital, expressed gratitude to the Gambian Ministry of Health and the Chinese Embassy for their collaboration and support.
“This project is a milestone for our cooperation and reflects our shared commitment to improving people’s health and livelihoods,” he said.
Ren highlighted that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is now practised in 196 countries and regions, benefiting more than one-third of the world’s population. He explained that acupuncture, a key component of TCM, has been recognised by 113 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO).
He said China’s medical science institutions, such as Xi Yuan Hospital, are global leaders in integrating medical treatment, scientific research, teaching, and healthcare services.
“Facing the growing challenges of people’s health needs, our hospital is ready to work with Gambian counterparts to enhance medical and health systems and contribute to the friendship and wellbeing of our peoples,” he affirmed.
Fatoumatta Comma, representing the Ministry of Health, said the training reflects the ministry’s commitment to continuous capacity development for health workers across all levels.
“For the past year, the Ministry of Health has been working closely with the Chinese Embassy to provide capacity-building seminars for our staff,” she revealed.
“So far, about 142 health professionals, including directors, programme managers, and regional health officers, have benefited from similar training in China. While this number is small compared to our 5,000-strong workforce, it remains one of the largest international capacity-building efforts we have ever achieved,” she added.
Comma described China as a nation built on punctuality, discipline, and collective responsibility values she said Gambian health workers can emulate to improve service delivery.
“I was inspired by the level of dedication I witnessed in China. From the hospital cleaners to top managers, everyone works with passion and discipline.
Mr. Wu Ci, delivering remarks on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, congratulated the participants and reaffirmed that health cooperation remains one of the six major pillars of China Gambia relations.
“Medical cooperation stands as a great example of our friendship that directly benefits the people,” he said, adding that President Xi Jinping’s vision of building “a global community of health for all” guides China’s engagement with The Gambia.
He noted that the partnership has already produced remarkable results, including ongoing hospital twinning programmes, professional training for Gambian doctors in China, malaria control projects, and maternal health initiatives.
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