By Fatou Dahaba
The National Assembly of the Gambia took a significant step toward reforming the country’s pharmaceutical sector on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, as the Medicines and Related Products Bill 2025 passed its second reading.
Moved by Hon. Amadou Camara, Chairperson of the National Assembly Select Committee on Health, the motion seeks to address critical gaps in the Medicines and Related Products Act of 2014, particularly in the registration process for medical and pharmaceutical products. The bill has now been referred to the Assembly’s Business Committee for further consideration, in line with Standing Order 66.
The proposed legislation aims to streamline the cumbersome registration process for medicines, which has been criticized for its bureaucratic complexities. Currently, the Medicines Control Agency (MCA) guidelines restrict approved medicines to those from Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and select other countries, adhering to stringent standards for quality, safety, and efficacy. However, these standards have inadvertently created barriers, leading to delays in registration, potential shortages of essential drugs, and risks of substandard or contaminated products entering the market.
During a heated debate, nominated member Fatou K. Jawara emphasized the urgency of the bill, highlighting the challenges faced by medicine importers and the broader implications for public health. “Health is paramount—everyone needs it,” Jawara stated. “This bill will not only position Gambia competitively in the global job market but also ensure that safe, high-quality medications, like those used in advanced countries, are accessible here.”
She urged lawmakers to prioritize legislation that shifts healthcare access from a need-based to a rights-based framework.
Musa Badgie, the Member for Tallinding, echoed Jawara’s call for swift action, referencing the tragic AKI (Acute Kidney Injury) incident as a sobering reminder of the need for reform. “The timelines of this bill cannot be overstated,” Badgie said. “It will allow Gambia to access standard medications, like those available in developed countries, and ensure that drugs from India and other regions are properly screened for safety.”
He stressed the importance of making critical medications, such as those for kidney disease, more readily available to address the growing health challenges faced by Gambians.
Other lawmakers, including Lamin Ceesay of Kiang West and Sainey Jawara of Lower Saloum, sought clarification on the bill’s objectives, particularly how it would address registration bottlenecks affecting drug availability. They also inquired whether the bill covers traditional medicines and imported food items, which often face similar regulatory hurdles.
In response, Hon. Amadou Camara clarified that all medicines imported into Gambia must be registered under a defined process. To address delays, the bill proposes an alternative “listing” mechanism—a form of semi-registration accompanied by robust regulations to ensure quality control.
“This will minimize the rampant, unregulated sale of drugs on the streets and reduce associated risks,” Camara explained. He urged the Assembly to refer the bill to the Committee of the Whole House to expedite its passage through the remaining legislative stages, enabling importers to bring safe, high-quality medicines into the country.
The Medicines and Related Products Bill 2025 represents a critical step toward modernizing Gambia’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework. By addressing bureaucratic inefficiencies, the legislation aims to enhance access to essential drugs, improve public health outcomes, and align Gambia’s standards with those of developed nations. As the bill progresses, stakeholders are hopeful that it will pave the way for a safer, more reliable supply of medicines, ensuring that Gambians have access to the treatments they need.
The National Assembly’s next steps will involve detailed scrutiny of the bill’s provisions, with lawmakers expected to finalize deliberations in the coming weeks. If passed, the bill could mark a turning point in Gambia’s healthcare landscape, fostering greater trust in the nation’s medical supply chain.
