The Member for Banjul Central, Hon. Abdoulie Njai, on Friday, 25th September 2026, donated medical equipment to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul. The donation aimed at improving healthcare services for the people, with a view to promoting the health and well-being of the citizenry.
Samba Bah, Director of Administration at EFSTH, described the donation as one given to the whole nation, stating that any citizen can benefit from the equipment, as the hospital is the major referral health facility in the country.
He described the facility as the “last bus stop,” adding that regardless of where one comes from or the amount spent, “the patient would first go to EFSTH prior to being flown out of the country for medical services.”
In going for overseas treatment, the person needs an ECG to ascertain whether or not he or she is fit to fly. Thus, “the gesture is very important, a step in the right direction, and has come at the right time.”
He assured that the equipment will be put to its best and intended use, and will be properly maintained, stating that their staff are well trained and “will judiciously utilize the equipment to serve the purpose of saving lives and reducing expenses on medical services.”
He also urged Hon. Njai to conduct a social audit on the equipment, to ascertain whether or not they are being utilized as expected.
“One thing the current administration can assure you is that after donating this equipment, six months later, one month, six months, one year later, we want you to come back and audit and find out your equipment that you donated today, the 25th of September, 2026,” he told Hon. Njai.
Community Leader Muhammed Ndow emphasized that the materials will go a long way in helping the citizenry to have access to effective and quality medical services.
He added, “The equipment will help reduce stress and difficulties that patients encounter in search of medical services, as the gesture is aligned with the development aspirations of the health sector of the country.”
Farimang Sanyang, speaking on behalf of the Nursing Students’ Association, said that the donation of the requisite medical equipment is not only about the partnership between Hon. Njai and EFSTH, but also about the welfare of the citizens.
He noted that EFSTH is a place where healthcare workers save patients on a daily basis, “often under challenging circumstances, these lifesavers are there. It is also a major clinical learning environment for us as nursing students at the University of The Gambia and other learning institutions.”
He said, therefore, when “we support Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, we are not only supporting an institution, but we are also supporting the healthcare workers, the students that have been trained here, and most importantly, the present school dependent on these hospitals.”
He added, “These materials will contribute to the smooth flow of operations within the hospital by providing healthcare workers with additional resources that are needed in their work.”
He underscored that the availability of the right equipment at the right time can make a significant difference. He, however, clarified that government cannot do it alone, and thus called on development partners and other stakeholders to emulate Hon. Njai by providing the necessary assistance to the health sector to meet the health needs of the people.
Hon. Abdoulie Njai, Member for Banjul Central and the donor, said that ALSAAF operates in diverse countries, such as The Gambia, and their project encompasses various initiatives, mainly food distribution, Ramadan food parks, among other efforts, which comprehensively tackle humanitarian relief worldwide.
“The foundation is also committed to aiding those facing adversity globally, by extending a helping hand to individuals in war-torn regions and areas affected by natural disasters as well,” he said.
The speakers congratulated Hon. Njai and the ALSAAF Foundation for the humanitarian support that will greatly help to enhance the delivery of healthcare services and the well-being of the Gambian people.
The mission, he added, encompasses providing humanitarian relief to alleviate challenges faced by communities in difficult situations.
Through dedicated efforts and impactful projects, he said, “we strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by the harsh realities of conflict and natural calamities around the world.”
