The Secretary General of the People’s Democratic Organisation for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), Halifa Sallah, has said that the death of at least 70 Gambian children could have been avoided if the government had shown responsibility.
The former National Assembly member for Serrekunda West spoke on Wednesday during a press conference on a wide range of issues of national importance and concern.
As Gambians continue to make sense of what is perhaps one of the worst health calamities in recent times, the deaths of at least 70 children following their consumption of both cough and fever syrups made by India’s Maiden Pharmaceutical Company, Hon. Halifa Sallah stated that the deaths could have been avoided.
He further suggested establishing a rigorous quality control mechanism for all pharmaceutical products coming into the country.
He also opined that a study should be conducted to establish what went wrong and ensure that Maiden Pharmaceutical Company pays compensation to victims and their families.
In the absence of these measures, the former SK/West NAM believes no one should be commended for anything.
The veteran Politician challenged Gambians to see the fight against infant mortality as a collective effort.
Hon Halifa Sallah also told journalists that the President Adama Barrow-led government could have declared the State of Emergency immediately after the Gam-petroleum oil spillage four months back.
Speaking on the issue of the price hike, Hon. Halifa Sallah dismissed the notion that the conflict in Ukraine is responsible for the skyrocketing price of essential commodities, saying that what is happening is mainly due to government policy failure.
Hon. Sallah also remarked that the PDOIS is a government in waiting, and it will always endeavor to scrutinize the government’s dealings in office.
The medical practitioner turned Politician, Dr. Bai Biram Jagne, also spoke on the rise of kidney failure in Africa, particularly in countries like Ghana and the Gambia.
