By: Alieu Ceesay
Just hours after President Adama Barrow delivered his 2026 State of the Nation Address, two National Assembly members from the Foni region have sharply disputed the government’s assertions of significant progress in the health sector, painting a stark picture of persistent overcrowding, drug shortages, and under-resourced facilities.
Hon. Almameh Gibba, the member for Foni Kansala, and Hon. Bakary K. Badjie of Foni Bintang Karanai both criticised the President’s speech as largely “routine,” arguing that announced infrastructure upgrades have failed to translate into meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery for ordinary Gambians.
In his address delivered on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the National Assembly, President Barrow highlighted investments in hospitals and ambulance services as part of broader efforts to strengthen the health system and even position The Gambia as a potential medical tourism destination.
But Gibba countered that essential problems continue to undermine these claims. “People are still sleeping on bare floors at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) and the RVTH in Ndemban,” he said. “Infrastructure alone does not fix the healthcare crisis.”
The lawmaker pointed to ongoing challenges, including chronic drug shortages, inadequate medical equipment, and severe staffing shortages. He argued that if regional hospitals such as those in Bwiam, Brikama, and Farafenni were properly equipped and staffed, the main referral facilities in the Greater Banjul Area would not be overwhelmed with patients from across the country.
“While the government talks about transformation, the lack of attention to frontline service delivery is clear,” Gibba added. He questioned the effectiveness of the administration’s agenda, stressing that visible buildings and new ambulances mean little without reliable supplies, trained personnel, and timely care.
Hon. Bakary K. Badjie echoed these concerns, extending his criticism beyond health to the President’s claims of economic stability and agricultural success. He pointed to the realities faced by many Gambians: low incomes, continued irregular migration, and underfunded social services.
“The President must focus on policies that are realistic and achievable, rather than routine statements,” Badjie said. “Health, food security, and border safety are urgent matters affecting ordinary citizens. Speeches alone do not change lives.”
Both lawmakers called on the government to move beyond announcements and address systemic failures head-on, including filling staffing gaps, procuring essential equipment, and reducing delays in patient care. They warned that without urgent action, the healthcare system will continue to struggle despite reported investments.
As the administration prepares to roll out its 2026 programmes, Gibba and Badjie pledged to maintain strong oversight in the National Assembly. They urged tangible reforms that deliver real benefits to all Gambians, particularly those in underserved rural regions like Foni.
The remarks come amid ongoing public debate about the gap between official narratives of progress and the daily experiences of citizens seeking care in strained public hospitals. Health sector observers note that overcrowding at major facilities like EFSTH has been a recurring concern for years, often linked to weak decentralisation of services.
