By: Michaella Faith Wright
President Adama Barrow’s recent claim that “there is no hospital in the world where you can get everything for free… even in America hospitals are more expensive than anywhere else” has sparked public criticism, with Gambian human rights activist Madi Jobarteh describing the statement as “a confession of failure, not a defence.”
Speaking during his ongoing Meet the People Tour, President Barrow said Gambians should not expect free medical services. But Jobarteh argued that the President’s remarks reflect poor governance and a lack of responsibility in the health sector.
“No one told the President that America has free hospitals or demanded free everything,” Jobarteh said. “He built a false argument to justify poor performance and evade accountability. This is misleading, dishonest, and unworthy of the presidency.”
He noted that the Gambian Constitution and international treaties require the state to ensure access to quality healthcare for all citizens. “The government is legally obligated to provide the highest attainable standard of health. This is not a favour, it’s a duty,” he added.
Jobarteh also criticised the government for prioritising luxury and foreign trips over healthcare investment, saying public funds continue to be “consumed by the comfort of the elite while hospitals lack drugs, equipment, and dignified maternity services.”
He concluded that Gambians must demand better leadership and accountability. “The problem is not that hospitals are not free,” he said. “The problem is that governance is not competent and public resources are not respected but looted.”
By: Michaella Faith Wright President Adama Barrow’s recent claim that “there is no hospital in the world where you can get everything for free… even in America hospitals are more expensive than anywhere else” has sparked public criticism, with Gambian human rights activist Madi Jobarteh describing the statement as “a confession of failure, not a The Fatu Network
