By Kebba AF Touray
The National Assembly Member for Serrekunda, Hon. Musa Cham, marked a significant gesture of goodwill on Monday, March 17, 2025, by donating medical supplies to key health facilities in the Gambia. Among the recipients were the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), the Serrekunda Health Center, and the Serrekunda School, all of which received essential items aimed at improving healthcare services and educational standards.
The donations to the health facilities included various medical equipment such as hospital beds, crutches, face masks, mouth covers, hand gloves, hand sanitisers, mobility aids, wheelchairs, bandages, urine bags, and microscopes. Additionally, the donation includes clothes for both infants and adults, generously provided by Hon. Cham’s Swedish counterparts through the organization SlattmissionHijapande Hand.
Mr Kebba Sanneh, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) at EFSTH, expressed deep appreciation for Hon. Cham’s initiative, calling the donation a vital contribution to the hospital’s ongoing efforts. “These are the kind of contributions that, if more people made, would significantly enhance the quality of service at this institution,” he said. “We truly appreciate this generous gesture.”
Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of EFSTH, also welcomed the donation, noting that the hospital is in the process of securing further support for infrastructure improvements. He shared that while some renovations have already been made, certain areas, such as toilet facilities in newly renovated wards, remain in need of attention.
“These beds are crucial for the hospital,” Dr. Bittaye said. “We have already received requests for them, and they will be put to good use immediately after the presentation. These beds are particularly useful in low-resource areas because of their adjustable features, which are necessary for the kind of care we provide.”
Hon. Cham, speaking on his longstanding commitment to improving healthcare services, emphasized that the donation represents his ongoing contributions to national development. “Here at EFSTH, anyone might find themselves in need of medical care one day,” he said. “As long as we remain in good health, we should invest in what will enhance the work of our health facilities, ensuring that quality care is available to all citizens.”
Having been engaged in such charitable work for the past 20 years, including donations to hospitals in Kuntaur, Kanifing, and other health centres across the country, Hon. Cham reiterated that the continued support for institutions plays a critical role in the welfare of the Gambian people.
