Turo Darboe Donates Medical Supplies and Beds to Gambian Hospitals

The Vision Development Foundation (VDF), through its Public Relations Officer Saikou Fofana, has announced a significant donation of medical supplies and hospital beds from philanthropist Momodou Turo Darboe to four hospitals across The Gambia.

Although currently abroad, Mr. Darboe extended his support to frontline health workers by sending essential equipment to Brikama, Kanifing, Banjul, and Ndemban hospitals.

Each hospital received: 4,050 face masks, 6,000 syringes (0.6 x 25mm), 4,000 medium examination gloves, 50 large examination gloves, 10 rolls of bandages and 125 protective glasses.

In addition, Banjul Hospital received five hospital beds, while Brikama Hospital received three. Altogether, the donation amounts to 16,000 face masks, 24,000 syringes, 16,000 medium gloves, 200 large gloves, 40 rolls of bandages, 500 protective glasses, and 8 hospital beds.

Mr. Darboe, widely recognized as a patriot and philanthropist, made the gesture to ease the burden on doctors, nurses, and other frontline health workers. Mr. Fofana, the People’s Movement for National Unity (PMNU), issued the statement, urged hospital management to ensure the supplies are used for the benefit of patients and staff. The release concluded with a call for unity: “For The Gambia, our homeland. One Gambia, One People, One Nation.”

Chief Medical Director of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, expressed gratitude, “If you have the resources, you can decide to keep it for private use. But if you decide to share it where it is needed most, it is highly appreciated. We call on all prominent people to also support the government in what they are doing.”

Dr. Bittaye emphasised that governments worldwide cannot handle health alone, stressing the importance of partnerships with NGOs and philanthropists.

Omar F. Jammeh, PRO of Kanifing Hospital, also applauded the initiative. “Building a nation is not only government responsibility, it is the responsibility of all. These beds will go a long way in healing. Hospitals are often caricatured because patients lie on the floor due to lack of beds. If every Gambian could give one bed, perhaps we would not have patients on the floor.”

This donation marks another milestone in Mr. Darboe’s longstanding commitment to national development and support for Gambian healthcare.