The unveiling ceremony attracted senior government officials, healthcare professionals, and community and traditional leaders, all gathered to celebrate this milestone in healthcare for the region.
During the handover ceremony, John Ettema, the acting Chairman of the Rainbow Foundation, emphasised the organisation's commitment to supporting initiatives that have a lasting impact on communities. He expressed pride in handing over the Basse Minor Health Centre, which aims to enhance healthcare access for the community, stating, “Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare.”
John also noted that in all the hospitals built so far, efforts have been made to create spaces for gardening, allowing people to grow their own fruits and vegetables. He said: “We believe that a patient’s recovery can be enhanced by access to fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C.”
He explained that the gardens are intended for both the community and those using the clinic, enabling them to grow vegetables and crops, saying: “Should there be excess production, they can sell the surplus for additional income, which can be used for maintaining the clinic and other expenses. It’s also important for the community members to be responsible users to ensure the facility lasts.”
Penda Sowe, the County Representative of the Rainbow Foundation, stated that the foundation was established in 2013 and has made significant strides in improving the health system by building various hospitals across the country. “We specialize in the health sector because we know the ministry cannot do it all. We continue from where the government leaves off. We have built hospitals in Manjai, Bulock, Bafuloto, and now in Basse,” she explains
Sowe urged the community, particularly the Village Development Committee (VDC), to maintain cleanliness in the clinic, highlighting that a clean environment contributes to patients’ health. “The clinic should be clean and held to high standards, which will promote a healthy environment."
Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, the Minister for Health, stated that strengthening the health system is a collective responsibility. He acknowledged the government’s duty to ensure that people have access to healthcare facilities but pointed out that the government doesn't have all the resources, despite its commitment to providing quality and accessible healthcare to the people.
Yusupha Bojang, representing the Governor of the region, noted that the expansion of the Basse community clinic marks a significant improvement in health service delivery, providing a better working environment for staff and enhancing key areas like the maternity unit, pharmacy, and outpatient department.
“This development will enable the facility to offer more timely and comprehensive services, especially for vulnerable populations, including women and children, by bringing essential services closer to the community and reducing reliance on distant referral facilities."
Ousman Bojang, the councillor of Bullock Ward, addressed the council's responsibility to provide development for its people. He assured the community that waste management and sanitation will be regularly conducted by the council, as it is part of their mandate to employ local individuals to maintain cleanliness in the health center. He also mentioned that security personnel would be deployed by the council to protect the property and the people using the clinic.
