By Yunus S Saliu
Commemorating its 2nd edition of the annual Staff Award Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th December 2024, the CEO of Bundung Maternal and Child Hospital (BMCH) highlighted the achievements of the hospital for the year under review, while fifteen of the staff from different units of the hospital were awarded to recognize their hard work for the period.
In his speech, Dr Mamadi Cham, CEO of BMCH outlined that during the year 2023 institutional deaths reduced from 2.1% (of 2022) to 1.4% (in 2023), first trimester ANC registration was 45.2%, IPT 4th dose rose to 37.8%.
He went on that the male partner attendance during ANC rose from 33.3% (from 2022) to 70.1% (in 2023), HIV positive among pregnant women was 0.7%, live birth rate increased from 98.5% (from 2022) to 98.6% (in 2023) with skilled birth attendant rate increased from 99.8% (2022) to 100% (2023) while institutional cesarean section rate increased from 13.2% (2022) to 16% (2023). The male partner presence during the delivery of spouses rose from 40% (in 2022) to 40.6% (in 2023).
Furthermore, Dr. Cham iterated that deliveries among women in the BMCH catchment area rose from 82.5% (2022) to 83.9% (2023), and “for one calendar year and two weeks, no maternal death was recorded in this hospital. 2023 immunization birth dose coverage is approaching universal level – OVP 91.7%, Hep. B 92.3%, BCG 76.4%.”
Identified to pilot, he said, the national health insurance scheme (NHIS) for 9 months before possible rollout, digital medical records, smart paper technology (SPT) since October 2023. The hospital, according to him served as host to the annual C3G cervical and breast cancer screening camp (2022 and 2023) and also, piloted a private health delivery scheme within a public health facility.
However, Dr Cham affirmed that with a staff strength of 426, 69,379 outpatients were attended to in the hospital as 4,273 patients were observed at the A & E while 4,176 inpatients were managed.
Further detailed statistics show that 3,865 new antenatal registrations were done, 5,549 pregnant women had an ultrasound in BMCH, and 2,656 male partners attended during their spouse’s ANC visits.
He continued that 5,565 pregnant attended for delivery, 1,213 surgeries were performed and 12,741 women visited the OBYGYN Clinic.
CEO Cham noted that 467 women and cervical cancer screening, 1,598 women opted for a family planning method, 3,992 pregnant women tested for HIV, plus 1,270 individuals screened for HIV. Also, 81 individuals as victims of GBV visited the One Stop Centre, 186 cases of tuberculous were registered and 225,216 individual laboratory investigations were performed.
Nevertheless, “these achievements could not have been possible without the commitment and dedication to duties of the gallant staff of BMCH,” the CEO, Dr Mamadi Cham declared.
The guest speaker at the occasion, Babanding Sabally, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health congratulated the awardees and the hospital management and staff for their achievements and dedication to surpassing the expectations of the board and ministry.
So, “As we honour our standout performers, let’s also celebrate the collective working spirit of the BMCH staff as each person here has played a part in the success,” DPS Sabally expressed.
Their achievements are not just numbers on spreadsheets or project milestones met but the foundation of the sector’s future success, he disclosed.
He, therefore, urged everyone present to let the accomplishments celebrated inspire them by seeing the potential within themselves “and to sit in the seats of honor (as awardees) next year.”
Honourable Sulayman Jammeh, National Assembly Member for Bundungka Kunda applauded the BMCH management saying the day is a special day for the people of Bundung and The Gambia as a whole.
He noted that the recognition and award giving did not spare anyone thus it was opened to everyone and for all the units in the hospital.
One thing to know is that “all the staff are hardworking,” he urged residents of the community and all, as usual, outside the Bundung community to continue to visit the hospital to receive quality treatment without any hindrances.
Once again, he thanked the CEO for his professional and exceptional leadership role in the hospital and an extension to the staff of the hospital and the people of Bundung.
Urging the staff to continue with their dedication to good work he specifically appreciated the Cuban doctors posted at the hospital for their good work in BMCH.
Dr Fatoumatta Dibba, Fatou Secka-Jaw – Deputy CEO of BMCH, Aunty Jatta, a community member among other dignitaries delivered comprehensive remarks at the occasion.
Awards categories included Overall Best Staff, Midwife of The Year, Laboratory Staff of The Year, Security Guard of The Year, Orderly of the Year, Nurse Attendant of The Year, Medical Doctor of The Year, Record Clerk of The Year, Overall Best In-Charge of The Year, Most Punctual Staff, Most Organised Ward/Unit, General Nurse of The Year, Theatre of The Year, Pharmacy staff of The Year and Support Staff of The Year.
Recipients of the award in each category received a bag of 50kg rice, one bag of potatoes, 20 gallons of cooking oil, and a certificate, Members of the Staff Welfare Association delivered a vote of thanks to everyone, especially their sponsors for sponsoring the award ceremony.