A recent critique of the Gambian government highlights significant deficiencies in the nation's healthcare system. The author contends that President Adama Barrow's administration is avoiding responsibility for these failures by incorrectly asserting that citizens expect free services. The central issue, according to the analysis, is not free care but the unaffordability and inaccessibility of basic medical treatment for the average citizen.
The piece describes a system in crisis, where health centers, particularly in rural areas, lack essential medicines and equipment. It states that patients in public facilities often lie on floors due to bed shortages and that the government's own procurement system fails to distribute purchased medications effectively. The cost of drugs from private pharmacies and necessary treatments abroad, like in Dakar, is reported to be financially out of reach for most.
The critique concludes that the government has shown no genuine interest in the reforms needed to address these systemic problems. It suggests that redirecting a portion of the State House budget to healthcare could make a substantial difference, but sees no political will for such action under the current regime.
The piece describes a system in crisis, where health centers, particularly in rural areas, lack essential medicines and equipment. It states that patients in public facilities often lie on floors due to bed shortages and that the government's own procurement system fails to distribute purchased medications effectively. The cost of drugs from private pharmacies and necessary treatments abroad, like in Dakar, is reported to be financially out of reach for most.
The critique concludes that the government has shown no genuine interest in the reforms needed to address these systemic problems. It suggests that redirecting a portion of the State House budget to healthcare could make a substantial difference, but sees no political will for such action under the current regime.
