By Makutu Manneh
President Adama Barrow on Saturday inaugurated the National Emergency Treatment Center and Biomedical Engineering Hospital in Farato, describing the facility as a milestone in The Gambia’s efforts to modernize its healthcare system and expand access to specialized medical services.
The new complex houses the National Reference Laboratory, the Ministry of Health Training and Conference Centre, the National Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, and the National Biomedical Engineering Unit. Together, the facilities are expected to strengthen emergency care, diagnostic services, laboratory capacity, and biomedical engineering across the country.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Barrow said the project represented a significant step toward improving the health and well-being of Gambians and all residents of the country.
“These facilities constitute a giant leap forward and reflect our unwavering resolve to improve the health and well-being of every Gambian and resident of The Gambia,” the president said. “With this huge achievement, we have fulfilled a big promise and restored hope and confidence in our healthcare system.”
Mr. Barrow said the investment aligns with his administration’s broader development agenda, which aims to build a resilient nation through inclusive and sustainable economic growth. He argued that expanding advanced healthcare infrastructure is central to the country’s long-term development.
According to the president, the National Emergency Treatment Centre will significantly improve The Gambia’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies, including traumatic injuries, disease outbreaks, pandemics, and other critical health conditions requiring specialized intervention.
He also underscored the importance of the National Reference Laboratory, saying modern healthcare depends on accurate and timely diagnostics.
“Modern healthcare depends heavily on timely and accurate diagnostics,” he said. “This lab will strengthen disease management, improve the timely detection of medical cases, support advanced laboratory investigations, and enhance our ability to respond effectively to emerging health threats.”
President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding healthcare infrastructure nationwide, increasing access to specialized medical services, improving the availability of medicines, investing in digital health technologies, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
He thanked the Ministry of Health, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders involved in the project, saying the facility’s completion was made possible through their dedication and hard work.
The president also acknowledged the World Bank for its continued financial and technical support to The Gambia’s health sector.
Addressing healthcare professionals who will operate the new facility, Mr. Barrow urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, compassion and integrity while delivering patient-centered care.
“Let the centre emerge as one of enviable excellence, innovation, accountability and fulfilment for the nation,” he said.
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