AQA Opens New Institute to Train Laboratory and Pharmacy Technicians in The Gambia

By Makutu Manneh

The AQA Institute of Diagnostics and Allied Health Sciences (AIDAHs) was officially inaugurated on Thursday at AQA Headquarters, marking a new initiative to address the growing demand for qualified laboratory and pharmacy technicians in The Gambia.

Established as the educational arm of AQA Medical Diagnostics Co. Ltd., the institute aims to provide practical, competency-based training in medical diagnostics and allied health sciences, equipping students with the skills and professional standards required to strengthen healthcare delivery.

Speaking at the inauguration, the institute’s Provost, Dr. Alansana Darboe, outlined its ambition to become a center of excellence in allied health education, emphasizing research, innovation, and hands-on training.

“Our students will learn from people who actually do real lab and pharmacy work, not just from textbooks. By the grace of God, we will run this institute the way a good laboratory is run,” Dr. Darboe said.

He announced that the institute will initially offer two Higher National Diploma (HND) programs in Medical Laboratory Technology and Pharmacy Technology.

Both programs will run for three years at Level 6 of the Gambian National Qualifications Framework. Dr. Darboe said the curricula are aligned with standards established by the West African Health Organization and the Pharmacy Council to equip graduates with skills relevant both nationally and internationally.

The institute plans to admit 60 students in its first cohort, with class sizes limited to 13 students per program to ensure closer interaction with lecturers and more effective practical training.

Dr. Darboe called for stronger partnerships with government ministries and healthcare institutions, particularly in securing clinical placements for students in public and private health facilities. He also urged authorities to include the institute in national healthcare workforce development plans.

Dr. Jorjoh Ndure-Tambedou, Director of the Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund, emphasized the importance of training healthcare professionals who are adaptable, research-oriented, ethically grounded, and committed to lifelong learning.

She encouraged students to recognize the life-saving impact of their profession and contribute to the development of their communities.

“The students need to know they can save lives by making sure there is timely diagnosis and providing accurate results. You can produce careered scientists by giving them opportunities,” she said.

Representing the Ministry of Health, Dr. Momodou Nyassi welcomed the establishment of the institute, describing it as an important step toward addressing shortages of skilled diagnostic professionals.

He noted that discussions about healthcare delivery often focus on doctors, nurses and hospitals, while overlooking the essential role of laboratory professionals.

Describing laboratory personnel as the “eyes and ears of medicine,” Dr. Nyassi stressed that accurate diagnosis and effective treatment depend on their expertise.

He said the training of diagnostic and allied health professionals has not kept pace with growing demand, underscoring the need for institutions such as AIDAHs.

Ramatoulie Secka, a representative of the West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, emphasized the importance of competency-based education that integrates theoretical knowledge, practical experience, quality assurance, safety and professional ethics.

She said developing a skilled laboratory workforce requires coordinated efforts across the health, education, finance and trade sectors, rather than relying solely on the Ministry of Health.

The establishment of AIDAHs is expected to expand training and career opportunities for young Gambians while helping address shortages of qualified laboratory and pharmacy technicians.

Through its emphasis on practical training and professional competence, the institute aims to strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve the quality of diagnostic and pharmaceutical services in The Gambia.