With the nearest health post located more than 12 kilometres away at Yerro Bawol, the free medical outreach has become a lifeline for many.
Pregnant women, children, and the elderly were among those who lined up to benefit from consultations and prescriptions, an opportunity rarely available in such rural settings.
The medications distributed included antibiotics, anti-hypertensives, antidiabetics, pain relievers, vitamin supplements, ulcer treatments, blood boosters, topical medicines, and anti-malarials. To ensure orderliness, tickets were issued to patients, guaranteeing that everyone received the required treatment.
Beyond medication, the organisers also conducted sensitisation sessions, educating communities on the importance of regular clinic visits, sanitation, and preventive healthcare. These efforts, they noted, have already yielded significant improvements in health awareness and practices.
Beneficiaries hailed the organisers, noting that the free and quality medications allow families to redirect scarce resources to other pressing needs.
This initiative, a huge relief they said, will go a long way in ensuring that they save money they would have spent travelling to hospitals.
At the free medical clinic in Sare Ngai village, a child from Senegal suffering from severe anaemia was referred to the Yerro Bawol Health Centre for further medical attention, as the condition required immediate care.
Speaking at the event, Sarjo Jallow, head of the medical team and CEO of Dalal Jamma Medical Clinic in Tabokoto as well as Sun Pharmaceutical Company, highlighted the scale of the initiative. “The medical items provided are worth 700,000 dalasis. We don’t just stop at buying expensive medications; we also ensure that qualified health professionals from EFSTH, Kanifing General Hospital, and private clinics join us to serve our people,” he explained.
He stressed that patients must consult doctors before receiving any medication, ensuring safe and effective treatment. Cases requiring specialist care are referred to hospitals in Yerro Bawol, Basse, or Bansang.
“Health is expensive, and that is why we are bringing it to the doorsteps of our people. We know the government cannot do it all, so we are stepping in to help,” he added.
“Our objective is simple, that is to ensure that everyone who comes here leaves in better health and returns to their community in good condition.”
Jallow emphasised that healthcare is costly and the government cannot shoulder the burden alone. He explained: “Our objective is to support our people in whatever way we can, and this initiative is one way of doing that. We want to ensure that the inhabitants of this area receive the best quality healthcare they deserve. "
"The community has done a great deal for us, and now it is our turn to give back. Providing them with the medications they need will not only improve their wellbeing but also enable them to contribute more effectively to the development of our communities.”
Dr Muhammed Bah, from the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), said they attended to patients suffering from hypertension, skin infections, and a number of worm infestations. He added that they had also diagnosed a pregnant woman during the outreach.
“In the case of the pregnant woman, we referred her to the nearest healthcare facility for antenatal care,” Dr Bah explained.
He described the initiative as highly effective, noting that it provided access to medications not readily available in rural areas. “To me, this is a remarkable effort, not only in delivering essential medicines but also in educating people about some of the diseases, so they can better take care of their health,” he explained.
Ebrima Jallow, Secretary General of the Sare Ngai Youth Development Association and committee member of the initiative, underscored its significance.
“This is about giving back to our community, which is underprivileged and often struggles to access healthcare. Through sensitisation, we have seen remarkable changes in sanitation and health-seeking behaviour. People now visit hospitals more regularly,” he said.
The Alkalo of Sare Ngai, Foday Jallow, reflected on the village’s history (established in 1931), and praised the organisers for their unwavering commitment to improving the wellbeing of their people. “The annual free health service has brought immense relief to our community. It is a blessing that our people look forward to every year,” he said.
Buya Dem, a woman who received the free medications, praised the organisers for what she described as a lifelong opportunity. “We would have had to go to Bansang to get this chance, to be seen by a doctor and receive such medications,” she said joyfully.
The organisers extended gratitude to Sun Pharmacy, Victory Pharmacy, Medlife Pharmacy, Biogen Pharmacy, Kombo Pharma, Sino Pharma, EMJ Pharmacy, and others for their contributions. Special thanks were also directed to the President of the Gambia Pharmacy Association for his support.
