By Fatou Krubally
Jamma Speciality Hospital was officially opened on Friday in Senegambia, marking an expansion in The Gambia’s provision of specialised medical services.
The facility, whose name “Jamma” is derived from the Wolof word for peace, is intended to provide patient-centred care and broaden access to specialised treatment locally.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Kebba Mareneh said the hospital was established to improve healthcare delivery through specialist-led services.
“We are here to improve healthcare delivery through specialist-led and patient-centred services that can transform lives. In areas such as neurosurgery and orthopaedics, timely and skilled intervention can make a significant difference,” he said.
He said the hospital will offer services including neurology, paediatric surgery, radiology, infectious disease management, microbiology and haematology.
Dr. Mareneh also said the facility plans to introduce health tourism and has begun training medical personnel from across the sub-region.
“We identified gaps in the system and are working to introduce services that are not widely available. Health tourism is one such area we believe holds potential,” he said.
Officials from the health sector described the development as a timely addition to a growing demand for quality healthcare services.
Musa Camara of the Western One Regional Health Directorate said the hospital represents more than infrastructure development.
“Today is not just about opening a building, but about creating opportunities for hope, healing and improved standards of care. This facility reflects dedication and professionalism aimed at improving lives,” he said.
He said the Ministry of Health is continuing efforts to expand primary healthcare, reduce maternal and child mortality, and strengthen disease surveillance and vaccination programmes.
The availability of advanced medical services locally is expected to reduce the number of patients seeking treatment abroad and ease the financial burden on families and the government.
The opening ceremony was attended by health professionals and stakeholders from across the sector.