'JaaMa' Specialty Hospital opens, giving new hope in Gambia’s healthcare sector

Dr. Kebba S. Mareneh, Chief Medical Director, 'JaaMa’ Specialty Hospital, explained that the new facility is here to raise standard in their quest to deliver quality health care services in the country.

 "We are here to raise the standard. We have started this hospital with a clear purpose, to deliver specialist-led and patient-centred care that will change lives. From Neurosurgery and Orthopedics, where timely, skilled intervention can mean the difference between disability and independence."

The facility, he added, plans to provide various services from Neurology, Microbiology, Haematology, Pediatric Surgery and Radiology services and other critical services.

"We felt that there were things that we wanted to bring that wouldn't necessarily be available at most other places. Some of those things include the health tourism. The founders already have started training people from around the sub-region." he added. 

He indicated that health tourism could be the new dimension in the country's health sector, often rare to be discussed.

Dr. Marena also disclosed that the new facility team will henceforth be determined to do better.

‘‘This hospital started with belief that can raise the standard of care in the Gambia. Today is not just about opening a building, it is about opening doors of hope, healing and the higher standards of care for communities. This hospital represents a vision that has been nurtured with dedication, sacrifice and professionalism for improving lives." stated Musa Camara, Regional Health Directorate Western One.

He observed that access to quality health care remains one of the most critical needs in society. 

Camara recalled that over the years, the Ministry of Health has made significant strides in expanding access to primary health care, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality and combating diseases of public health importance, disease surveillance and the introduction of vaccines to contain vaccine-preventable diseases among a host of development interventions by the Ministry.

Camara underscored the role of private health facilities in reducing the burden on public health facilities, adding that The Gambia’s health facilities often operate beyond capacity due to increased demand for health care services.

This, he noted, results in private clinics absorbing a portion of the patient's load, especially for non-emergency, routine and specialised care.

This decongestion, he added, also allows public health facilities to host resources on difficult cases, emergency services and the most vulnerable populations. 

He equally noted that the presence of private clinics encourages all service providers in public and private health facilities to improve service quality, adopt modern technologies and prioritise patient satisfaction.

With its modern equipment and well-trained staff, JaaMa Specialty Hospital is ready to set the benchmark that challenges the entire system to be the best. 

Meanwhile, there is growing anticipation that this new facility would significantly reduce foreign referrals, as many in the past were left with no option but to seek medical treatment abroad especially for certain specialised treatments.