By Kemo Kanyi
Opposition Gambia Alliance for National Unity (GANU) leader Sheikh Tijan Hydara has accused the government of neglecting vulnerable Gambians through what he described as persistent weaknesses in the country’s healthcare system.
Hydara said the state of a nation’s health system was a key measure of good governance, arguing that public health facilities across The Gambia were struggling with shortages of essential medicines, unreliable electricity supplies and inadequate resources.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, GANU Leader said the challenges were affecting both major public hospitals and rural health facilities, while putting additional pressure on medical personnel.
“The Barrow administration has consistently failed to prioritize basic medical infrastructure, leaving everyday citizens to bear the cost of private clinics or face devastating consequences,” he remarked.
The GANU leader described the situation as not only an administrative failure but also a moral crisis, citing cases where pregnant women have to purchase basic supplies before childbirth and families struggle to find routine medicines.
He argued that such challenges undermine the social contract between the state and its citizens.
Hydara also criticized what he described as disparities in access to healthcare, noting that some government officials travel abroad for specialized medical treatment while local health facilities lack basic diagnostic equipment.
He said the situation had created a two-tier healthcare system in which quality medical services were increasingly becoming accessible only to those who could afford them.
To address the challenges, Hydara called for a major restructuring of the national budget to give greater priority to healthcare and ensure equitable access to medical services.
He also advocated for the establishment of a properly managed National Health Insurance Scheme, coupled with transparent systems to track the distribution and use of medical supplies.
The GANU leader further called for the modernization of existing health facilities, reliable electricity supplies through solar backup systems and better incentives to attract and retain qualified medical professionals.
“True national development begins with a healthy population,” Hydara said, stressing the need for sustained investment in the country’s healthcare system.
By Haddy Touray
The Ministry of Lands, Regional Government and Religious Affairs has warned the public against unauthorised construction and occupation within the designated Sanyang Deep-Sea Port area.
In a statement issued on Aug. 25, the ministry said it had observed an increase in unauthorised construction, occupation and other activities in the area without approval from the relevant authorities.
“The public is hereby strongly advised to desist from undertaking any form of development, construction, occupation, or other activities within the said area without the requisite approval from the relevant authorities,” the ministry said.
The warning is aimed at preventing further encroachment on land designated for the proposed deep-sea port project in Sanyang.
The ministry said the Department of Physical Planning and Housing would continue to monitor the area and take appropriate measures to prevent further encroachment.
It cautioned that structures, occupations and other developments undertaken without the necessary authorisation would be subject to existing laws and regulations.
However, the statement did not specify the enforcement measures that could be taken against individuals or entities found violating the directive.
The ministry urged landowners, developers and other members of the public to obtain the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities before undertaking construction or any other activities within the designated deep-sea port area.
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