By Sainabou Sambou
Justice Ebrima Jaiteh of the High Court of The Gambia today issued fresh procedural directions in one of the country’s most significant civil lawsuits, involving over 190 families seeking accountability for the deaths and injuries of children allegedly caused by contaminated medicines supplied by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
The case pits grieving parents and guardians against a chain of defendants that includes Maiden Pharmaceuticals Ltd (1st Defendant), Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Company Ltd (2nd Defendant), the Medicines Control Agency (3rd Defendant), the Ministry of Health (4th Defendant), and the Attorney General (5th Defendant). The plaintiffs claim that substandard drugs linked to the Indian manufacturer led to severe harm and fatalities among young children.
During today’s hearing, the court formally discharged DW3, Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, the chief medical director of the country’s main referral hospital, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, who had testified on behalf of the Ministry of Health, thereby concluding witness testimony in the matter.
Justice Jaiteh then ordered all parties to prepare and exchange their final written briefs of argument ahead of closing submissions. He granted Counsel S.M. Tambadou, representing the 2nd Defendant, and State Counsel A. Gibba, representing the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Defendants, 28 days — from May 22 to June 18, 2026 — to file and serve their briefs.
Counsel A. Njie and her team, representing the plaintiffs, were given a subsequent 28-day window, from June 19 to July 17, 2026, to file the plaintiffs’ written brief. Defense teams will then have seven days, from July 18 to July 24, 2026, to file any replies limited to points of law.
The judge issued a stern warning to all counsel, emphasizing strict adherence to the timelines. “Failure to file within the stipulated periods will not be tolerated unless exceptional and compelling reasons are properly brought before the Court,” Justice Jaiteh stated.
In a bid to ensure efficiency, the court directed parties to exchange email addresses and serve briefs electronically, while still filing hard copies as required.
The high-profile case, which has drawn national attention due to its implications for public health and pharmaceutical regulation in The Gambia, was adjourned to Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 12:00 noon for mention and possible hearing of final arguments.
Legal observers say the structured timetable reflects the court’s determination to move the matter forward without unnecessary delays, as families continue to await justice for their lost and affected children.
