By Fatou Sillah
The Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, has stated that ongoing improvements in The Gambia’s healthcare system are increasingly attracting patients from neighboring countries seeking medical treatment.
According to the minister, sustained government investment in hospital infrastructure, modern equipment, and specialized medical services has significantly enhanced healthcare delivery. He noted that treatments previously unavailable in the country are now accessible to Gambians.
“The Gambia has now become a regional health destination,” Dr. Ceesay said. “Many patients are coming from neighboring countries. The figures are there.”
Dr. Ceesay highlighted that major hospitals nationwide have undergone renovation and expansion, accompanied by the installation of modern diagnostic and treatment equipment.
“Millions of dollars have been spent in bringing new digital X-ray machines, and advanced CT scans across major hospitals in the country,” he added.
He further noted that the introduction of specialized medical services has reduced the need for overseas referrals.
“Cardiology, urology, neurosurgery, dialysis, and orthopedic services are now available in The Gambia; that is why now many people need not go overseas to get access to these specialized treatments,” he said.
The minister also pointed to improvements in critical care infrastructure, including upgraded dialysis services and centralized oxygen systems. “The country now has upgraded dialysis services and oxygen plants with piped oxygen systems, centralized ones as opposed to bringing a canister,” he explained.
Responding to opposition criticism of the healthcare sector, Dr. Ceesay emphasized that infrastructure alone is insufficient without adequate personnel and equipment.
“If you build the hospitals alone, the buildings, there are no doctors; it’s not even a hospital. Most ministers go to the EFSTH even the president’s family goes to the EFSTH. People should know that,” he said.
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