The donation was aimed at improving child healthcare services and easing pressure on limited hospital resources.
Presenting the items, Hon. Modou Lamin B. Bah, who is also the Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, spoke of his commitment to improving the country’s healthcare sector, which he said, goes beyond parliamentary advocacy.
The Banjul North MP explained that the support is part of a broader quest to complement government’s work in strengthening public hospitals across the country.
“As Vice Chairperson of the Select Committee on Health, I am passionate about ensuring Gambians get access to quality healthcare. But beyond discussions in Parliament, we must act. That is why, with the support of our partners in Holland, we are donating two hospital beds, a weighing scale for the Children’s Hospital, and play materials for the pediatric unit.” Bah stated.
The gesture, he added, is a first step in a long-term plan to supply more beds and equipment to hospitals across The Gambia, stressing that no patient should visit a hospital and fail to secure a bed.
“Our intention is to make sure every Gambian who comes to a public hospital has access to a bed and the necessary care. This is the beginning, and we are determined to expand. We started with EFSTH because it is the country’s main referral hospital. When more resources become available, we will extend the support to other hospitals nationwide. He assured.
Hon. Bah also expressed gratitude to Madam Truus, founder of Mietie Makandra in Holland, for her instrumental role in making the donation possible, acknowledging that her commitment goes beyond hospital supplies, but also extending support in the form of scholarships and skills training for Gambian girls.
Dr. Cherno S. Jallow, Deputy Chief Medical Director at EFSTH and a consultant pediatric surgeon, welcomed the gesture, noting that the hospital, as a postgraduate training institution, relies heavily on external support to deliver high-quality services.
“For us, nothing is small. Every donation, big or small, adds value to our work. EFSTH trains medical students, specialists, nurses, and support staff who serve the entire nation. To run such an institution requires all hands-on deck; government alone cannot do it.” Dr. Jallow remarked.
He spoke highly of the impact the donated materials would have in improving patients’ care and enhancing hospital environment for children.
“Any time we receive donations, they are carefully inventoried, distributed through an official process, and monitored. From finance to materials, everything is tracked. The public should rest assured that what comes to EFSTH is used for the benefit of patients,” Dr. Jallow added.
The Dutch partner, Madam Truus, who travelled from Holland to witness the occasion, expressed delight to contribute to the improvement of healthcare services in The Gambia.
She commended the management and staff of EFSTH for their hard work and dedication, urging them to make the best use of the equipment.
