By: Fatou Krubally
The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul has taken a major step toward improving critical care services with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art oxygen generation plant, officially launched by Her Excellency Madam Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, First Lady of the Republic of The Gambia.
The handing-over ceremony, attended by senior government officials, development partners, and hospital authorities, marks a milestone in the country’s healthcare delivery system. The project was implemented through a partnership between Direct Relief, the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), and the Institute for Global Perioperative Care (IGPC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the event, the First Lady described the oxygen plant as a symbol of compassion and progress in the nation’s health sector.
“This oxygen plant represents not only scientific progress but also a profound act of compassion for the people of The Gambia,” she said. “It will ensure that no mother loses her child due to preventable complications.”
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister of Health, Mr. Lamin Dampha, Permanent Secretary at the ministry, called the project “a fortress in the nation’s public health defense system” and reaffirmed government’s commitment to universal health coverage.
Dr. José Pascual, President of SCCM, highlighted the importance of reliable oxygen in intensive care unit, commending the collaboration that made the project possible. Dr. John Sampson, President of IGPC and professor at Johns Hopkins University, traced the project’s beginnings to discussions during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that it would strengthen The Gambia’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies.
From the donor side, Dr. Jeffrey Samuel, Direct Relief’s Regional Director for Africa, handed over over D5 million worth of essential medicines to the Ministry of Health, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to sustaining healthcare systems across Africa.
Representing the President of the Republic, Mr. Mod K. Ceesay, Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, described the project as “a life-saving investment that aligns with national development priorities,” while Delivering remarks on behalf of Chief Medical Director Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, Acting CMD Dr. Cherno S. Jallow said the new oxygen plant would greatly cut the hospital’s reliance on imported oxygen cylinders.
Ambassador Dr. Erica Bennett, Head of Mission for the Diaspora Africa Forum, who introduced the First Lady, also announced her recognition as an African Woman of Excellence, joining notable women such as the late Winnie Mandela and former female heads of state.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Baboucarr A.S. Sowe, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, expressed appreciation to all partners and staff whose dedication ensured the project’s success.
Following the speeches, the First Lady, accompanied by dignitaries, cut the ribbon and toured the facility before signing the handover agreement.
As the national anthem closed the event, the mood at EFSTH was one of gratitude and renewed optimism — a powerful reminder that partnerships rooted in service can indeed save lives.
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By: Fatou Krubally The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul has taken a major step toward improving critical…
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