In staying glue to its annual initiative of giving back to communities as the year winds up, Trust Bank Plc on Tuesday continued its annual end of year largesse to health infrastructures in the country with the latest combine presentation of valuable items and dialysis supplies worth over D500,000 to Kanifing General Hospital (KGH) and Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH).

The gesture, presented during a separate handing over held at the two-institutions, also forms part of the bank's vision in delivering on its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Items donated at Kanifing General Hospital includes canon printers, desktops, air conditioners, cabins, tables and chairs, among a host of others, and are said to worth D200,000.

Welcoming the gathering, Basirou Drammeh, Chief Executive Officer, Kanifing General Hospital, said the gathering reflects not only partnership and generosity, but also a shared purpose and responsibility in strengthening health care services in the country.

“It is important to recall that Trust Bank began including Kanifing General Hospital in their annual Corporate Social Responsibility Programme in 2022. From that initial gesture, their commitment has been so remarkable.’

He reminded that for three solid years, Trust Bank has been consistently and constantly extending their support to our Beloved Hospital.

These contributions, he added, have made a significant and visible impact on our cyber delivery, enhancing both the quality and efficiency of care we provide, noting that this level of commitment is truly commendable and we deeply appreciate your philanthropic action.

“Today's presentation marks yet another important milestone in the long and growing history of our collaboration between the hospital and Trust Bank. You can all agree with me that this partnership is not only valuable, but also highly transformational. Your generosity and trust is truly helping us build a stronger foundation for better health care delivery in our hospital.”

Ranked as the second biggest and busiest hospital in the Gambia and serving a population of more than 600,000 people, CEO Drammeh acknowledged that annually, the hospital attends to over 200,000 outpatient cases and conducts about 7,000 deliveries, reflecting the volume of individuals who depend on our services.

Also speaking, Alex Alasan Gomez, head of Marketing and Business Development Unit at Trust Bank Gambia, first lauded the health care professional for their unwavering commitment of maternal health, noting that the work they do is critical to reducing the risk associated with childbirth and ensuring that women in the Gambia have access to care they need during one of the most important, venerable times of their lives.

"Your dedication and service to the community are truly commendable, and our Trust Bank is proud to stand alongside you in this important mission. We are all aware that maternal mortality remains a pressing concern in many parts of the world, including here in the Gambia. Access to quality maternal healthcare is not just a necessity, but it is a right."

He observed that every woman deserves the chance to give birth in a safe environment, with skilled care and the proper medical resources at hand.

"By working together, we can ensure that fewer women and babies lose their lives due to preventable complications. This year, as part of our ongoing partnership with Kanifing General Hospital, we are honoured to contribute once again to your efforts."

As done in the previous years, he pointed out that the Trust Bank has engaged directly with the hospital management to understand their specific needs and challenges.

Through this dialogue, he added that they are able to ensure that donation directly addresses the most pressing requirements of the Ministry.

"This year's donation totals D200,000, which went towards the purchase of the items on your requested list."

Jariatou Drammeh, principal nursing officer at the Kanifing General Hospital, on behalf of the hospital and management, the Ministry, thanked Trust Bank for the gesture.

She acknowledged that this is not the first time they have been here, and that the bank continues to help Gambians in various areas.

Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital

Elsewhere, on Tuesday the bank extended similar magnanimity to the Haemodialysis Unit of Edward Francis small Teaching Hospital in Banjul with the presentation of dialysis supplies and other items, worth D300,000.

However, the bank’s annual gesture at the Dialysis unit of the country’s main referral hospital was in memory of their deceased-dear colleague, Ebrima Frazer, who at time was admitted at the facility.

Welcoming the bank officials, Mustapha Bittaye, Chief Medical Director at EFSTH described the initiative as an annual affair especially at the Dialysis Unit of the hospital, noting that they support in areas that is really needed at the hospital.

"So, we all know that people who come to use our facilities here, they go through sometimes a lot. And any support to them is supporting Gambians where it's impactful. They are really supporting us in areas that we really need support. And their support is quite different."

Thus, he called on other institutions to emulate the bank and give back to their communities,

Presenting the items, Amie Kolleh Secka, head of sales and PR Trust Trust Bank Plc, on behalf of the Managing Director, recalled that the bank has had the privilege of contributing to the EFSTH dialysis unit for the past six years in memory of their deceased-dear colleague, Ebrima Frazer.

"It is in his honour and with a deep commitment to improving the lives of those affected by kidney disease in the country that we continue this partnership year after year."

She used the opportunity to highlight the growing rate of kidney disease in the country, which she said, is a cause for concern, noting that it is alarming to see its growing impact on young people.

"Many of those affected do not have the financial means to access the life-saving dialysis treatment they desperately need. As we all know, dialysis is a critical medical procedure for those with kidney failure and the cost of this treatment is a significant burden for many Gambians."

At Trust Bank, she said, they are deeply moved by the reality that so many Gambians are suffering due to lack "access to these essentials supplies.

This is a situation we are determined to help address."

Dr. Lmain Saihou Sima, nephrology Specialists at the hospital, delivered the vote of thanks, commending the bank for their foresight and dedication.