The newly opened facility is expected to boost healthcare delivery, offer specialised services, and reduce the number of Gambians traveling abroad for treatment.
The centre’s services include a 70-bed inpatient department, emergency unit, ICU and CCU, the first IVF unit in The Gambia, outpatient clinics, laboratory services, radiology and a pharmacy.
According to officials, the project aligns with broader national efforts to improve healthcare quality, expand service access, and encourage private-sector participation.
The event, presided over by Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow on behalf of President Adama Barrow, brought together senior government officials, investors, diplomats, health authorities, and community stakeholders.
Vice President Jallow described the opening as a landmark moment in the country’s health-sector transformation.
“It is a great honour for me to preside over this official opening of this prestigious medical centre on behalf of His Excellency, Mr. Adama Barrow,” he said. “Today marks a significant milestone in our national health sector transformation, and it reflects the growing partnership between the government and the private sector in advancing quality healthcare delivery for our citizens.”
H.E. Jallow credited the President’s engagement with Egypt for laying the foundation for the project and acknowledged the institutional support behind the initiative.
“The Medical Centre stands as a testament to what can be achieved when government provides the right policies, incentives and the enabling environment for private investment,” he said.
Jallow noted that the new facility aligns with the national development agenda, especially efforts to strengthen human capital, health systems, and public–private partnerships. He emphasised that the centre would support universal health coverage, improved governance, and high regulatory standards.
As he commended the Egyptian investors, he said their decision “reflects confidence in the investment climate and the peace and stability that our country continues to enjoy,” adding that the project reinforces longstanding ties between The Gambia and Egypt.
“We look forward to seeing it contribute meaningfully to the delivery of specialised medical services, professional training and employment opportunities,” he said. “Most importantly, we look forward to the relief it will bring to thousands of families who require timely, affordable and reliable healthcare closer to home.”
Mr. Magdy Darwish, CEO of the Egyptian African International Investment Group, recounted the journey from the laying of the foundation stone in 2019 to the completion of the full medical facility in 2025.
“I still remember in 2019 when we stood here together to lay the foundation stone of this project, where we shared our dream to build a medical centre for the people of The Gambia,” he said. “Today, in 2025, we are standing inside our dream.”
Darwish highlighted the gradual rollout of services beginning in 2023 with outpatient clinics, laboratory services, radiology, and the pharmacy.
He noted that global supply-chain disruptions during the COVID-19 period delayed the full opening but did not stop progress.
“Even in those difficult moments, we did not give up,” he said. He added that the facility has expanded to include the 70-bed inpatient department, emergency unit, ICU and CCU, as well as the country’s first IVF unit. MRI and CAT lab services are expected to be operational soon.
“As we promised, we have delivered,” he stated, thanking Gambian authorities, medical staff, and the local community. “We are honoured to stand here today with our Gambian brothers and sisters to celebrate this special day.”
Ousainou Senghore, CEO of the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), praised the project as a clear example of how strategic investment can strengthen critical sectors.
“This milestone is more than the inauguration of a health facility,” he said. “It is a testament to the power of strategic investment, regional collaboration, and a shared commitment to development.”
Senghore also commended the Egyptian-African International Investment Group for its operational poultry farm in Faraba, which serves local and regional markets and supports national food-security goals.
He reaffirmed GIEPA’s commitment to facilitating investment in healthcare and other key sectors.
“Today’s event is a shining example of what can be achieved when visionary investors meet a welcoming and enabling investment climate,” he said.
“To our Egyptian partners, thank you for believing in The Gambia,” he added. “Your investment is not only a vote of confidence in our country, but also a beacon of hope for what African solidarity and economic cooperation can achieve.”
