He also outlined government’s resolve to achieving the universal health coverage by ensuring inclusive, equitable and quality health service delivery to enable all Gambians and residents of The Gambia have access to quality health care.
Mr Keita was speaking on behalf of President Adama Barrow on Saturday during the World Bank’s Mid-Term review in collaboration with Ministry of Health on the Gambia Essential Health Services Strengthening project with highlights of the achievements in the health sector for 2020-2023 and completion review of the COVID-19 Preparedness and Response project.
The Gambia Essential Health Services Strengthening project (P173287) ($30 million), approved in October 2020, along with additional financing of US$50 million approved in November 2021, is designed to improve the quality and utilization of essential health services.
At the SDKJ Conference Centre in Bijilo over the weekend, the Finance minister assured of government’s unwavering resolve to continue to strengthen and expand the health sector.
He revealed that they are putting in place appropriate and “well equipped infrastructure”, increasing the number of health workers and building their capacities as they accelerate tireless efforts to grow the economy, enhance hope, dignity and uplift livelihoods in The Gambia.
Mr Keita describes health as an important pillar of human capital, adding that good health makes people realise their potential as productive members of society.
He stated that adequate investment in healthcare would no doubt lead to improvement in the health sector and bring quality healthcare near the doorsteps of the population.
“My government’s commitment to the health sector is abundantly shown by the huge infrastructure investment made since 2020,” he said. “Excluding salaries and other support to the health sector, my government has spent more than 394 Million Dalasis to rehabilitate the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and the PolyClinic, and build six new health facilities across the country in Njau, Tumana, MankamangKunda, Kissima Jaw, Kiang Jali and Salikenni.”
The Finance minister on behalf of President Barrow extolled the World Bank for the financial and technical contribution to the project and for its continued support and commitment to the development of the country.
He reiterated government’s readiness and commitment to supporting the World Bank and the entire UN system and other partners in the implementation of the Country Partnership Framework for The Gambia FY 2022-2026.
He extended President Barrow’s appreciation to Dr Samuel Mills, the World Bank Task Team Leader, who has provided tremendous technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in realizing all the above-mentioned achievements in a short period.
