The state-of-the-art facility doubles bed capacity and adds critical trauma and diagnostic services, promising to enhance emergency care to over 600,000 residents in the Greater Banjul Area.
Minister for Health Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, in his keynote address, praised the KGH Board, management, and staff for their commitment to innovation and self-reliance in healthcare delivery.
He said the initiative demonstrates that progress is possible even under financial and logistical limitations.
“We salute the Board, Management, and the entire KGH team for stepping forward with home-grown and sustainable solutions. Your effort sends a powerful message that transformation is possible even with limited resources. Self-reliance does not mean isolation, it means ownership, innovation, and meaningful partnerships with government and other stakeholders,” Dr. Samateh declared.
He urged other public hospitals to draw inspiration from KGH and adopt a proactive approach to problem-solving. The Minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health is pressing ahead with new investments in workforce development, modern diagnostic equipment, new health facilities, and the scaling up of the National Health Insurance Scheme to ensure a responsive and sustainable health system.
The minister noted that the new A&E Department symbolises KGH’s unwavering pursuit of excellence in patient care.
“This facility represents more than the commissioning of a physical space; it embodies the hospital’s relentless commitment to providing quality health services,” he said. “We hope this upgraded department will empower staff to save more lives, reduce complications, and restore dignity to every patient who comes through its doors.”
Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Momodou T. Niassy, described the new department as a reflection of compassion, foresight, and selflessness in healthcare delivery.
“Building and equipping a standard emergency department in this hospital is a clear testimony of your dedication,” he said. “Every minute matters in emergencies, and this facility strengthens our ability to deliver life-saving interventions, from road traffic accidents to acute medical crises.”
He commended the hospital leadership, frontline staff, partners, and communities for their collective efforts. Dr. Niassy also urged staff to uphold the highest standards of care, saying infrastructure alone is not enough without professional commitment to continuous improvement and patient-centered service.
Hospital CEO Basiru Drammeh highlighted KGH’s critical role in the nation’s health system.
“Kanifing General Hospital is the second largest and busiest hospital in The Gambia, serving over 200,000 outpatients annually, including 85,000 emergency visits and more than 6,000 births,” he said.
Drammeh described the new emergency department as a beacon of hope for the community, ensuring timely and effective care with modern facilities and dedicated staff. He emphasised that the project was funded entirely by the hospital using resources generated under the former Results-Based Financing (RBF) initiative, citing staff sacrifice and strict financial discipline as key to the achievement.
Hospital Board Chairperson, Naffie Barry, said the previous A&E unit struggled with overcrowding, long waiting times, and safety concerns for staff.
“We have achieved over 100% increase in bed capacity, from 9 to 19 beds, and created dedicated trauma, laboratory, and pharmacy units,” she explained. “Staff welfare has also been prioritized with offices, a coffee room, and changing facilities. These upgrades will improve treatment outcomes, reduce complications, and lower mortality rates.”
Barry expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Health for its continued support through the provision of modern equipment and deployment of qualified personnel.
She stated that the new facility is expected to significantly enhance emergency response capacity across the Greater Banjul Area, aligning with The Gambia’s national health goals and Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all.
