The Gambian entrepreneur, who is a longtime donor to the health sector, acknowledged that it is a duty to share profits with the people of the Gambia in any way possible especially those in need and the hospitals.
The items were presented at a brief handing over ceremony held at the EFSTH ground recently.
Presenting the items, Salifu K. Jaiteh while expressing gratitude, recalled that over the years, he has been contributing his quota towards the country’s health sector with the ultimate goal of complementing the government’s efforts in quality health care.
“Months ago, Dr Keita, a staff of this hospital approached me to support the Labour Ward with an alternative power supply to protect lives during and post deliveries in case of any electricity cut. I found this important and I gave him my words that I will do everything within my powers to come to their aid.”
S.K. Jaiteh and Sons is one of the main dealers in second-hand clothing and cement as well.
“However, the past eight months has been challenging for me as a cement dealer as we were faced with unforeseen tax hikes on cement leaving us with significant losses and loss in opportunities to trade. I am of the view that if the market was as smooth as it was, I would have delivered these items months ago and even on time.”
The renowned Gambian business tycoon recalled that two decades ago, his wife delivered at that very labour ward that he is here supporting.
“And a c-section cut was conducted on her to support the delivery process. I am pleased to inform this gathering that baby who is now a man; is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s in UK and expected to graduate before the end of the year.”
So, this support, he added, manifests that health is everyone’s business and ‘we should always be prepared to answer to the calls echoing from sector at all time.’
In this regard, he thanked the management of the hospital and leadership of the Health Ministry for always opening their doors anytime he wants to extend support.
“As I present these items which cost a stunning amount of hundred and seventy thousand, I am grateful to Allah and Gambian people for always appreciating my support to the nation.”
Receiving the item, Dr. Abdoulie Keita, head of the Labour Ward at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, expressed gratitude to the renowned Gambian entrepreneur for his foresight.
Dr. Keita also spoke about the gains registered at the Department in terms of development, citing some of the programmes the unit has undertaken of recent.
He also revealed some of the challenges they are facing which includes, power supply and thus called on Gambians to extend support to the unit to enable them expand their admission beds, better equipped theatre and build an emergency facility.
