By Osman Saidykhan
In a significant boost to healthcare in The Gambia, the Cornerstone Group, a Gambian-owned company specializing in construction, property management, and sustainable energy, has handed over a newly renovated Paediatric Surgical Unit to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), the country’s largest medical facility located in the capital, Banjul.
The handover, framed as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, was marked by a ceremony attended by prominent figures, including U.S. Ambassador Sharon L. Coroma, Health Minister Dr. Lamin Samateh, and other dignitaries.
The revamped unit, described as a “state-of-the-art” and “child-friendly” facility, is designed to enhance the hospital’s capacity to treat sick and vulnerable children. Pa Omar Faal, an adviser to the Cornerstone Group, emphasized that the upgrade would empower EFSTH’s medical professionals to save lives and improve care. “We hope and pray the management and staff will maintain the highest standards in treating child patients and preserving the equipment,” Faal said during the event.
The renovated space includes an In-Charge Office, Staff Station, Acute Ward, Burns Ward, and a main ward, all equipped with modern amenities such as desks, tables, chairs, TV screens, ceiling fans, and beds with white sheets for patient comfort. The all-white interior, complete with matching walls, ceilings, and tiles, aims to create a soothing environment conducive to healing.
Oley Faal, the executive director of Cornerstone, highlighted the company’s commitment to giving back to the community. “Our vision is to ensure children receive the best care in a space that fosters healing, comfort, and hope,” she said. She underscored the importance of local healthcare access, noting that even in emergencies, families turn to EFSTH before considering treatment abroad. “If we can change even one life, that’s a huge impact,” she added.
Founder and CEO Alagie Sanyang echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for Gambian businesses to contribute more to society. “We set up Cornerstone to be the change we want to see,” he said. “When we started this project, we didn’t know the cost or the process, but we knew we had to do it.” He challenged other business leaders to step up their efforts to support the community.
EFSTH’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Mustapha Bitteye, expressed gratitude to Cornerstone for ensuring transparency in the management of the donated facility. “Any support given to this hospital could benefit anyone—including the donors themselves—tomorrow,” he said. “You’re welcome to ask at any time how your contribution is being used, and you’ll get an answer.”
Health Minister Dr. Lamin Samateh praised the initiative as a vital partnership between the private sector and government. “No nation can develop without its people’s participation, especially in a low-income country like The Gambia,” he said. “For Cornerstone to step up and complement government efforts means a lot to me, the ministry, and the entire country.”
The handover ceremony underscored a shared commitment to improving pediatric care and highlighted the potential for private enterprises to drive meaningful change in The Gambia’s healthcare landscape.
