This upgrading includes renovation of wards such as the Pharmacy department, the Outpatient Clinic, the main theatre, Neonatal Ward for premature babies as well as accommodation for the staff among a host of others.
This disclosure was made Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, minister for health during a visit to the hospital on Saturday as part of his tour of key health infrastructures in parts of Greater Banjul area, West Coast, Lower River and Central River Regions.
Accompanied by a high-powered delegation, the Health minister touring the facility couldn’t hide his impression on the state of progress thus far.
He hinted that in the next five years The Gambia will boast of a robust, dynamic, responsive and all-inclusive health sector
He also acknowledged the strategic nature of the health facility, serving the communities of Foni, most of Kiang West and even beyond.
Also, the move is part of government’s holistic approach to expand and upgrade the country’s health systems to deliver to the needs and aspirations of Gambians.
“So it's very strategic. Now, the strategy of His Excellency, President Adama Barrow to strengthen the health system of this country goes everywhere. That strategy is leaving no one behind. The entire country is being covered.”
Minister Samateh indicated that president Adama Barrow outlines the need to strengthen this health facility to be able to cater for the people in Foni, Bwiam itself, of course, and the neighbouring districts.
“We are also building capacity, that means training more doctors, more nurses, more pharmacists, laboratory scientists, radiology technicians, and so on and so forth. With the support of the World Bank, and now the EU in doing solarization here, with the support of the World Bank, we are spending over D290 million in the Bwiam Hospital to upgrade this facility.”
He added; “I think that's a big plus. What we are spending here is more than what was spent on the five health facilities His Excellency, Adama Barrow built in the various regions of this country. So this is a big plus for the Bwiam General Hospital and the people of this area. So we are very happy today and the work is going on well.”
According to him, from accommodation rooms to different wards, the clinical areas all have been upgraded to standard level.
He also talked about upgrading of operation theatre and other new rooms to support the specialisation training of doctors and other health workers, who are going to be on postings at the facility.
Dr. Nathan Nsubuga Bakyaita, country representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), also shared his impression with the development taking shape at the site.
“I'm so impressed by the fact that there is a refurbishment of this hospital to bring it to the modern standards. But secondly, it is in a very strategic position and is also going to have a training center.”
He added; “You know when you train doctors, it means you have more manpower that will be available – meaning that people who come to this center most of the time, or let me say all the time, they will be able to see the right health worker because it is a training center.”
“So for me, I think it's going to improve dramatically the quality of care here and access to some of the special services that have not been here before.”
Kebba Manneh, Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital (CEO), described the visit as timely in view of the fact that, he came at a time when they were trying to finish the work.
The finishing of any construction, he believes, makes a big difference, and they want to ensure that the plan or whatever it is in the construction, the edifice is not compromised.
“Not only the edifice, but also whatever we put here in terms of material. We want to ensure that they are guaranteed. Once this facility is finished, we will be in the position to be able to respond to major emergencies.”
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