By Yunus S Saliu
In their commitment to corporate social responsibility and improving health care facilities, the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) in collaboration with the Gambia Police Force (GPF) on Thursday, 21st September 2023 endorsed a D5m Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the rehabilitation of the private wing of the Edwards Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH).
The MOA outlined the framework of the partnership delineating the respective roles and responsibilities of each institution including knowledge and expertise.
Speaking before the signing of the MOA, Mr Buah Saidy, Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia expressed delight at the signing of the agreement which he described as a significant partnership.
He said the agreement represented not only a commitment between the two institutions “but a testament to our said visions common goals and objectives of improving healthcare and the health sector together with the delivery of quality healthcare to our people.”
He continued that signing the MOA is an indication of understanding of some of the challenges and opportunities that exist in the health sector, particularly for the country’s only referral hospital, Edwards Francis Small Teaching Hospital.
The CBG Governor therefore expressed his sincere gratitude to all individuals, teams, and organizations involved in bringing them to the moment, “your hard work dedication, and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in getting us to this point, thank you truly.”
He went on that the Central Bank of The Gambia has been actively involved in supporting EFSTH over the years through financial contribution from its corporate social responsibility, but in their bit to enhance the result orientation of their corporate social responsibility they took significant rehabilitation projects for the hospital private wing.
However, he disclosed, the Central Bank is collaborating with the Gambia Police Force to ensure the successful execution of this project with CBG providing the necessary funds while the GPF provides the labour and technical expertise.
So, this partnership exemplifies CBG’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and improving healthcare facilities in The Gambia. “The rehabilitation of the private wing is a commendable initiative addressing the deplorable state of the facilities and the lack of modern equipment and also enhancing the revenue-generating capacities of the hospital, he added.
Also speaking at the signing ceremony that took place at the Edwards Francis Teaching Hospital, Banjul were Dr. BabacarrJagne, represented the Medical Director of EFSTHative of the Inspector General of Police – Police Commissioner Samba Jawo, Dr. Abdoulie Sirey Jallow – 1st Deputy Governor, Senior Advisor to the CBG Governor, Kebbah Sanneh – PRO EFSTH, among others.