By Fatou Krubally
Two Members of the National Assembly from the Foni region have disputed President Adama Barrow’s claims of progress in the health sector, saying hospitals remain overcrowded and critical services under-resourced.
Hon. Almameh Gibba described the President’s State of the Nation Address as largely “routine,” highlighting a disconnect between infrastructure upgrades and actual healthcare delivery.
“People are still sleeping on bare floors at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and RVTH in Namba,” Gibba said. “Fracture patients sometimes wait two to three weeks before receiving care. Infrastructure alone does not fix the healthcare crisis. If regional hospitals like Buiyam, Brikama, and Farafenni were properly equipped, EFSTH would not be overwhelmed.”
He added that while the government has invested in hospitals and ambulance services, essential issues such as drug shortages, inadequate medical equipment, and insufficient human resources continue to plague the system.
Similarly, Hon. Bakary K. Badjie criticized the President’s claims regarding the stability of the Dalasi and the effectiveness of agricultural initiatives.
“The President must focus on policies that are realistic and achievable, rather than routine statements,” Badjie said. “Health, food security, and border safety are urgent matters affecting ordinary Gambians. Without addressing these, speeches alone do not change lives.”
Both lawmakers emphasized that the government must go beyond infrastructure announcements and tackle systemic issues, including staffing shortages, equipment gaps, and delayed patient care. They warned that unless these challenges are addressed, the nation’s healthcare system will continue to struggle despite visible investments.
Gibba and Badjie said they will continue to hold the administration accountable as it implements its 2026 programmes, calling for tangible improvements that reach all Gambians, especially in underserved regions.
