Ministry of Health receives donation of medical equipment

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on Tuesday received donations of medical equipment to boost the national health system for effective and affordable delivery of health services to Gambians.

The items were donated by United Nations Development Programme in Japan, the United Nations office in The Gambia and partners from China during a ceremony at the premises of the Department of Health Promotion in Kotu.

The medical supplies include a microscope, tubes, chairs, fridges, motorcycles, laptop and desktop computers and others.

In his remark after receiving the items, the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Omar Sey said: “The government’s aim is to provide quality health service to the door step of every Gambian, a goal which is being complemented by donors. The UN system, does not only stop at providing us with the needed equipment but supporting the government towards laying the foundation in health policies, as well as implementing those policies. I am assuring you that all these donated items will reach their beneficiaries in a short timeframe and they will be put into good use.”

On her part, Mariama Jammeh, the programme manager of Laboratory Service said the Chinese partners visited Gambian health centres, found out that there were challenges and wanted to give a helping hand. “Upon their return, they were able to come up with equipment such as microscope, tubes, chairs, fridges and other materials which are helpful in the blood transmission process. All these were done thanks to the support of Bubacarr Jawara the Gambian Consular in China,” she said.

Victoria Ginga, the UN representative to The Gambia in presenting personal protective equipment said the UN was empathising with the health ministry especially in helping to keep the Ebola Virus Disease at bay.

She said: “Since Ebola arose, Gambia was among the first country to setup a protective process, despite not being affected and they are still making ways in their protection as well as readiness to tackle the deadly disease should it arise. The UN system is poised to help strengthen Government’s effort in the fight against Ebola.”

The UNDP-Japan project representative, Izumi Marta said the donation of 20 motor cycles, 13 laptops and 3 desktop computers to the health ministry was indicative of his office’s willingness to work with the Gambia Government.

Others speakers included Markieu Janneh Kaira, the chair of Logistics Sub-committee of National Task Force on Ebola, Bubacarr Jawara, The Gambia’s Consular to China and Ignitias Baldeh, the man in charge of the Laboratory Department.

By Abdoulie Nget