By: Haruna Kuyateh
The Management of Essau Health Directorate has called for urgent deployment of Rescue or speedboat from the Navy and Fire Rescue Service to facilitate referral of patients to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital.
This call for a speedboat was made at a meeting with Governor Lamin Saidykhan during a familiarization to different institutions in North Bank Region.
The importance of the request is due to a temporal halt of ferry service following the rehabilitation works ongoing at the landing sites of the Gambia Ports Authority’s Terminal.
MomodouLaminManneh Regional Health Director for Essau Health Directorate has underscored government commitment to strengthen health care systems to improve wellbeing.
Director Manneh expressed satisfaction on high level of commitment and team works among nurses and doctors in providing quality health care services. And also he hailed the Minister of Health for giant stride in providing a functional operation of a theatre at Essau District Hospital and conduct of safe deliveries.
He went on to commend the community of Essau for allocation of land for construction of office and staff quarters of health directorate, while he expressed the need for government to help construct office and staff quarters to enable the hospital expand its operations to accommodate most important units.
Lamin Fofana, Nurse Administrator at the hospital called for special borehole powered by solar and electricity supply to ensure constant availability of water. He outlined giant positive efforts made in reduction of maternal death, as the hospital registered single maternal death between months of January to August.
He noted that X-ray unit ,dental clinic, mortuary attendance, adequate human resources among others are critical to full operation of district hospital and there is need to establish them in the region.
Chief George L Sonko of Lower Nuimi lauded the efforts of staffs and nurses at the hospital and health Directorate for their commitment and concerns in providing quality health care services to the population. He assured of communities fullest support and cooperation to support in the quest to ensure community participation and support to health sector.
Governor Lamin Saidykhan noted that the tour has availed him the opportunity to gather first hand information and noted for closer collaboration and support among staff and nurses.
He assured them that issues raised will be analysed and forward to relevant authorities for action.