Introduction:
The healthcare system in Gambia is built around 3 levels
which are Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. There are
to date 4 referral hospitals
which are operated by the government. In addition there
are 8 main health centres and a further 16 smaller centres,
200 plus mobile clinic unit teams as well as the Medical
Research Council which is funded by the UK Government.
There are also a number of privately
run clinics as well as a few health focused NGOs
operating in Gambia.
Primary Health Care:
This is focused on villages with a population of over
400 individuals where a Village Health Worker and Traditional
Midwife would be initially trained then assigned to
deliver primary health care to their village of responsibility.
They are responsible for providing out-patient care,
community health education, ensuring there is a sufficient
level of essential medicines and home visitations. Apart
from the assisting mothers to be in home births the
mid-wife would refer any mothers who seem to be at risk
to the local health centres.
Secondary Health Care:
At this level medical care is provided by the large
and small health centres. There is around 7 main government-run
/ private health centres, 12 smaller centres and 19
pharmacies, with each providing in-patient and out-patient
treatment. Each has its resident nurses, doctors and
ancillary staff.
Tertiary Health Care:
At this 3rd level health services are delivered by 4
main referral hospitals, the Medical Research Council
(MRC), several private clinics and NGO operated clinics.
The main referral hospital is at the RVTH in the capital
on Independence Drive. The other 3 are located at Bansang,
Farafenni and Bwiam.
Facilities:
Health care facilities are relatively sparse in The
Gambia though new health clinics are being built up
country.
The centrepiece of the Gambian health care system is
the Royal Victoria Teaching
Hospital in Banjul.
The Gambia has a medical school called the American
International University West Africa whose courses includes
a Doctor of Medicine Degree, pharmacology, dentistry,
nursing / midwifery, and a Health Professionals course
(MLT).
List of Health Centres:
• Bakau
• Banjulinding
• Basse
• Brikama
• Fajikunda
• Farafenni
• Gunjur
• Jammeh
Foundation Hospital
• Janjanbureh
• Leman
Street (Banjul)
• Mansakonko
• Polyclinic (RVH
Banjul)
• Serrekunda
• Sibanor
• Sukuta
• Sulayman
Junkung Hospital, Bwiam
Clinics &
Hospitals:
• AfricMed Ltd.
• Bijilo Medical
Center
• Kololi Clinic
• Lamtoro Medical Center
• Royal Victoria Hospital
• Swedent Clinic (Dentists)
• Westfield Clinic |
