KMC Mayor presents 70 modern hospital beds to Kanifing General Hospital

The hospital beds were generously donated by the Gambia Swiss Congress, a Gambian diaspora organisation located in Switzerland, in partnership with the Kanifing Municipal Council.

The package features a state-of-the-art point-of-care ultrasound machine along with a mobile pad, collectively valued at D580,000. This generous contribution comes from the Lehigh Valley Health Network, an esteemed U.S.-based organization led by Dr. Chris Raab, Global Health Director of Pediatrics at Riley Children’s Hospital in the United States.

During the ceremony, Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda announced that the presentation followed his recent visit to the hospital during Ramadan, where he reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to supporting the institution.

He emphasised that the event represented a crucial advancement in enhancing healthcare services throughout the municipality.

“The remarkable contributions were made possible thanks to the unwavering commitment of the Gambia Swiss Congress, alongside the proactive participation of KMC Youth Councillor, Mr. Kemo Bojang. Additionally, the Lehigh Valley Health Network is playing a crucial role by offering hands-on training to thirty hospital staff members in point-of-care ultrasound and essential newborn care”

He asserted that his Council has taken an active role in supporting these initiatives, investing nearly one million dalasis to cover the complete expenses for brand-new mattresses for all 70 donated beds. “This also includes shipping and clearing costs, ensuring the beds arrive in The Gambia promptly and in excellent condition.”

Bensouda expressed gratitude to the Diaspora community for their steadfast dedication to contributing to their homeland.

Mayor Bensouda announced that the Kanifing Municipal Council will collaborate with the hospital to establish the first-ever Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a public hospital in the Kanifing Municipality, adding: “KMC is dedicated to launching plans for the construction of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kanifing Hospital.” This initiative represents an historic milestone for our public health system and will stand as a legacy project under his leadership.

"We are committed to fully upgrading and rehabilitating the surgical ward named after KMC. This initiative will prioritize significant infrastructure enhancements and ensure the unit is adequately resourced, providing a safer and better-equipped environment for both patients and medical staff.”