By: Haruna Kuyateh
Regional Health Directorate Essau on Monday handed over Kerr Mama Healthcare Clinic, sponsored by ARVID Berg Building through Foundation Baboucar Jallow, to the community of Kerr Mama of Upper Nuimi in the North Bank Region.
The Proprietor of the Foundation, Baboucar Jallow is a Senior Football Referee in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the USA, he named the Foundation after his late Brother Alieu Saja Jallow to support communities and institutions.
Ebrima Baldeh, Regional Health Director for Essau Health Region underscored the importance the Ministry of Health attaches to providing access to quality health care services.
He noted that the construction of a standard healthcare clinic for the community aimed at complementing government efforts and would respond to the health needs of the community and surrounding villages.
Director Baldeh called on the community to work with the nurses to establish a Catchment Area Committee (CAC) to promote community participation in healthcare services.
Commenting on ambulance service, Baldeh said his office would work with the Ministry of Health in due course, as it would enhance referral of patients to Essau District Hospital. He disclosed that the Ministry of Health aimed at meeting Universal Access by 2030 and therefore the healthcare clinic, would complement government efforts in reaching the target.
Omar Gasama, Regional Principal Nursing Officer (RPNO) thanked the Foundation for the construction of a healthcare clinic while assuring them of the Regional Health Directorate’s fullest commitment to the attainment of universal health access.
The Directorate has deployed a Register Nurse and Midwife as well as drugs to start the operation, he disclosed.
Alhaji Omar Bun Jallow, alkalo of Kerr Mama, expressed joy at the inauguration of the health facility, noting that it would respond to the health needs of the population.
He also hailed the Foundation for its foresight and called on the communities to support nurses and health facilities through resource mobilization in kind or cash. Alkalo Jallow used the moment to thank President Adama Barrow and the government for creating a conducive environment for humanitarian organizations and philanthropists to complement government efforts in health, education, and agriculture.
Yunusa Jallow, Village Development Committee (VDC), public relations officer noted that VDC supports the implementation of the project. He described VDC involvement as crucial in promoting social mobilization and monitoring.
Alhaji Mama Jallow, Adviser to Alieu Saja Jallow Foundation thanked the alkalo for the allocation of land and the community for their immense contribution towards the successful completion of the healthcare clinic.
The facility includes a consultation room, labor ward, admission ward, store, Pharmacy, three toilets, power by solar energy, installed 2 sets of TV, and a borehole.