The MOA is part of the bank’s commitment in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility and improving the country’s health care facility. It would be recalled that the private block at the hospital has not been functional for the past four years due to its deplorable state. This has prompted officials at the hospital to devise ways and means to renovate the block as the country’s main referral hospital.
At the event, Dr. Babacarr Jagne, who represented the Medical Director at the EFSTH, hailed the move as a great initiative, saying when they met the bank officials over the issue, the response was spontaneous.
The bank, he added, has been supporting the institution annually to help upgrade and even buy drugs at the hospital.
“Since then each time we knock on their doors, the bank is willing to support. For that I thank them very much.”
He spoke about numerous initiatives undertaken by the hospital, but they always forget the fact that when it comes care, privacy is an important component in that regard.
“Some people tend to stay away from public hospitals because they can’t find an environment where they could be able to go in privately and see a doctor and be admitted without the public eye.”
This situation, he added, has deprived some from seeing doctors at the public hospitals.
For his part, Buah Saidy, Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, expressed delight at the signing of the agreement which he described as a significant partnership.
The agreement, he added, represents not only a commitment between the two institutions, but a testament to their visions and objectives of improving healthcare service in the country.
The CBG reminded that the signing the MOA is an indication of understanding of some of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the health sector, particularly for the country’s only referral hospital.
“I therefore express my gratitude to all individuals, teams, and organisations involved in bringing the moment. Your hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in getting us to this point, thank you truly.”
Governor Saidy recalled the numerous support extended to the country’s referral hospital, further acknowledging that CBG has been actively involved in supporting EFSTH over the years through financial contribution as its corporate social responsibility.
He, thus, disclosed that the Central Bank is working with the Gambia Police Force to ensure the successful execution of the project with CBG providing the necessary funds ,while the GPF provides the labour and technical expertise.
“So, this partnership exemplifies CBG’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and improving healthcare facilities in The Gambia .”
In his vote of thanks, Malang Ndong, director of Administration and Human Resource at EFSTH, commended the officials from both the Central Bank of The Gambia and The Gambia Police Force.
He recalled that the private block at the hospital has not been functional for the past four years due to the deplorable condition of the facility.
“It has been eyesore for the management of the hospital. Over the years we have been brainstorming on it on how we renovate this place. So, when the deputy Chief Medical Director came up with the idea of approaching the Central Bank of The Gambia, this was done. And definitely and we were not disappointed.”
He on behalf of the chairman and board of EFSTH, he commended the bank for its swift response and the GPF for accepting to do the renovation work.
Other speakers at the signing ceremony held at the board room of EFSTH include, Police Commissioner Samba Jawo, Dr. Abdoulie Sirey Jallow – 1st Deputy Governor, Senior Advisor to the CBG Governor and Kebba Sanneh – PRO EFSTH, among others.
