By: Haruna Kuyateh
Helpers for Health – Gambia Foundation, a non-profit organization, organized the second phase of its Bringing Health to Doorstep initiative, titled FREE CLINIC DAY, for the residents of Basse Manneh Kunda and surrounding areas in the Upper River Region on Saturday.
The Foundation, established by native Nyimasata Damba Danjo, Tijan Kuyateh, and other diaspora citizens of Basse Manneh Kunda, works alongside a dedicated team of nurses, doctors, lab technicians, pharmacists, and volunteers. The team is committed to providing quality healthcare services and prioritizes health education and counseling to encourage patients to adopt better health-seeking behaviors.
Dr. Amadou Sanyang, a member of the Bwiam General Hospital team and a key figure in the Helpers for Health – Gambia Foundation, emphasized their commitment to complementing government efforts in providing healthcare services to rural populations. He noted that this was the eighth clinic organized nationally and highlighted the impressive turnout.
The free clinic provided a range of services, including medical counseling, blood pressure and sugar testing, malaria and eye screenings, and more.
Dr. Sanyang urged the public, particularly pregnant women, to seek early treatment and to value regular checkups for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and malnutrition. He stressed the importance of visiting health facilities, such as Basse District Hospital, for timely treatment.
Dr. Sanyang expressed gratitude to the donors, the diaspora community, and the people of Basse Manneh Kunda for their support in making the Free Clinic Day a success. He also emphasized the need for parents to promote balanced diets and for healthcare workers to ensure that patients adhere to prescribed treatments.
Notwithstanding, he expressed concern about the late presentation of patients with hypertension and diabetes, noting that the clinic had identified a number of malnourished children, who were subsequently referred to the National Nutrition Program at the Basse Health Facility.
The team leader praised the strong collaboration between the clinic and Basse District Hospital, with nurses participating and patients being referred for further diagnosis and treatment.
Community leaders, including Lasana Manneh, Alkalo of Basse Manneh Kunda, and Imam Gibriel Manneh, thanked the healthcare professionals for their humanitarian service and expressed their desire for an annual Free Clinic Day. They recognized the importance of regular medical attention for the well-being of the community.
Sulayman Manneh, Treasurer of the Basse Manneh Kunda Village Development Committee, thanked the founders of Helpers for Health – Gambia Foundation, the diaspora, and the VDC for their support and collaboration.
Foday Sanyang, National Youth Parliamentarian for Basse Constituency and Regional Coordinator of the President’s International Award in the Upper River Region, praised the pioneers of Helpers for Health – Gambia Foundation noting that over 200 patients received free medical services, including medication, drugs, and counseling. He pointed out that a significant number of those screened were youths, women, and the elderly. He encouraged young people to prioritize regular checkups and to pursue careers in nursing and other medical fields to serve humanity.
Ndaba Kuyateh, a community leader and beneficiary of the Free Clinic Day, expressed his joy and appreciation for the opportunity provided to the people of Basse Manneh Kunda to receive proper medical care.