By Aja Beyai
The Gambia’s Anesthetists’ Society (ASOGAM) celebrated World Anesthesia Day on Thursday at Kanifing General Hospital, spotlighting the unsung healthcare heroes amid rising health emergencies. Under the theme “Anesthesiology in Health Emergencies,” the event drew medical professionals from across various health institutions, underscoring the pivotal role of anesthesia in saving lives during crises.
The day’s centerpiece was a hands-on training session on basic life support, where dozens of healthcare workers honed vital skills to respond swiftly in life-threatening situations. From CPR techniques to airway management, participants practiced under expert guidance, equipping themselves to bridge critical gaps in emergency care.
Kanifing General Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Basirou Drammeh, opened the proceedings with a stirring address on the power of teamwork. “In healthcare, no one succeeds alone,” Drammeh declared. “Leaders must value and respect their teams to ignite true motivation. Today’s training isn’t just for you—share it widely to slash mortality rates across The Gambia.” His words resonated deeply, inspiring pledges to disseminate the knowledge to colleagues in remote clinics and urban wards.
ASOGAM President Mr. Omar Cham delivered a compelling keynote address, exposing stark realities in the nation’s healthcare system. “Anesthesia professionals are the backbone of safe surgeries and emergency procedures,” Cham stated. “Yet, we’re routinely sidelined in emergency planning, workforce development, and resource allocation. This oversight endangers lives.” He cited recent floods and disease outbreaks that strained surgical capacities, where understaffed anesthesia teams led to preventable delays.
In a bold appeal to the Ministry of Health, hospital leaders, and international partners, ASOGAM issued a three-point action plan, which includes integrating anesthesia into national emergency frameworks for proactive crisis response, enhancing training and retention to combat shortages, and building a skilled workforce as well as amplifying anesthesia voices in health policy to ensure equitable resource distribution.
Cham emphasized the stakes: “Investing in anesthesia means safer surgeries, healthier mothers and babies, and resilient emergency systems. It’s not charity—it’s survival.”
The gathering buzzed with discussions on capacity building, with attendees networking to forge new collaborations. One young anesthetist shared, “This event empowers us to demand the recognition we deserve.”
