This vital renovation was carried out and sponsored by Cornerstone Group, a company dedicated to improving the lives of Gambians by actively contributing to community welfare, particularly in the health sector.
Officials of the hospital said that the newly launched state-of-the-art Pediatric Surgical Unit at EFSTH is a groundbreaking initiative that will significantly enhance the environment for both patients and healthcare professionals.They praised the donor for his ongoing support to the EFSTH and various sectors throughout the country, emphasising that this commitment will significantly contribute to tackling many of the urgent challenges faced by the Gambian people.
They further described Alagie Sanyang, the CEO of Cornerstone Group, as a development-oriented leader dedicated to the progress of the country. His commitment is exemplified by his previous donation of solar panels to the hospital with a view to ensure 24-hours uninterrupted electricity for better healthcare delivery.
The state-of-the-art facility has 25 standard hospital beds, equipped with comprehensive medical supplies, along with a designated play area for children. This initiative aims to promote both their physical and psychological well-being, ensuring they are ready to receive care from healthcare professionals.
The ceremony was graced by the minister of Health, the CEO, and other high-ranking officials from Cornerstone Group, the U.S Ambassador to The Gambia, along with board members of the company, senior management from EFSTH, family members, senior government officials, and various healthcare professionals.
The minister of Health, Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, said: “Health services are vital for any country; as healthy population is essential for nation-building. It is through the health of our citizens that we can successfully construct roads, promote agriculture, and ensure access to education. Without a healthy population, we cannot anticipate any meaningful development.”
“Today, we are very happy that a group of Gambians have come forward to support the government's efforts in developing the health sector. You could have thought, well, what is our responsibility since it’s the government’s mandate to do so. However, while acknowledging that it is the government’s duty, you chose to step up and give back to your country as a proud Gambian.”
“No nation can develop without active participation from its citizens, particularly in a low-income country. We must unite efforts to advance this nation.”
Alagie Sanyang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Group, passionately addressed the critical importance of delivering quality health services in both developed and developing nations. "This project holds immense significance for us," he stated. "When we embarked on this journey, we were uncertain of the financial implications; however, one thing was clear: we were committed to seeing it through, regardless of the cost. That said, this endeavor could not be realised without the unwavering support of my team."
Sanyang praised the hospital management for their invaluable support throughout the project, stating: “Every single penny spent on this project was well invested. This marks our second intervention, and we are currently working on a third.”
The CEO continued: “The hospital management approached me again for assistance with a shipment of medical equipment valued at over two million dollars. They mentioned that this would require significant resources. I immediately conveyed that if it would benefit the Gambian people, I was on board. The hospital representative affirmed this, and I committed to making it happen. I assured the doctor that if local companies were unable to provide support, I would use my company in the U.S.A. to fulfill this need,” he emphasised.
“Many might argue that healthcare is the government's responsibility, but Gambia stands out as one of the few nations offering nearly free medical care. Here, individuals pay just 25 to 50 dalasis—amounting to less than a dollar—to consult a doctor and receive prescriptions,” he said, while claiming that such only happens in The Gambia.
“I have family and sometimes they often travel to Senegal for medical treatment, and we are well aware of the significant costs involved.”
He encouraged Gambian businesses to contribute more to the nation, stating: “I firmly believe that Gambian businesspeople are not giving back enough. This is an issue that requires change. I know many successful businesses in the country that should give more to our communities.”
Mrs. Oley Faal, the Executive Director of Cornerstone Group, deemed the event a significant milestone for the hospital, particularly for the children who will gain from the newly renovated and sponsored Pediatric unit.
“Our vision for this project has always been straightforward: to give back to the community where we work and operate, which includes our staff and ourselves. Personally, I have a deep passion for health, particularly for children,” she said.
“During our recent visit at the hospital, we met with the hospital management, and our discussion centered on the pediatric ward. As soon as I arrived, I surveyed the environment and realised we needed to take action. Although I didn't know where the funds would come from or how we would accomplish this, one thing was certain—we had to make a difference,” she postulated.
“As a child, I often recall the powerful slogan: "Drive safely, as the lives you carry may be your own."
She added: “For a long time, I struggled to grasp its true meaning. At first, I interpreted it simply as a reminder to drive cautiously since the lives you protect could very well be your own. However, over time, I came to understand its deeper meaning, which resonate with what we're discussing today. No matter your wealth, experience, or resources, when illness strikes—whether affecting you or your child—your first thing to do is to seek medical help, thus it’s important to support the health sector.”
She recalled the previous donations the Cornerstone Group had done in the country ranging from the donation of pick-up vehicle to the police in CRR, drilling of boreholes to rural communities among others.
Mustapha Bittaye, the Chief Medical Director of EFSTH, said: “The transformation of the pediatric ward will bring immense joy to all of us working at the hospital. What stands out most is the company's commitment to taking ownership and making a positive impact on the development of our country's health sector.”
“If we fail to develop this hospital, our nation will have nothing to show for its health sector. Those of us who were opportune to see the pediatric ward before and how it is now, will undoubtedly praise the donor for this commendable initiative.”
“I can certainly say that the Gambia is lucky to have Mr. Sanyang, and we appreciate you so much for the continuous development you are rendering to the hospital.”
Karamo Sanyang, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cornerstone Group, and Pa Omar Faal, adviser to the company, both commended the donor for his unwavering support in advancing the country’s health sector, while they urged the hospital management to prioritise the proper maintenance of the facility.
The ceremony was concluded with the presentation of certificates to the officials of Cornerstone Group in recognition of their ongoing support to the hospital.
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