Barrow Government to Build 1500 Bed Hospital in Farato

President Adama Barrow Sunday announced plans to build a 1500 bed capacity hospital in Farato, a move that will bolster his government’s approach to healthcare delivery in the country. 

The President made the announcement at a mass rally in Brikama in the ongoing Meet the People Tour. He said when built, the hospital will surpass the capacity of all hospitals currently operating in the country. 

His Excellency said the hospital will also help bring healthcare closer to the people and cut the long drive amidst heavy traffic to the EFSTH in Banjul. 

President Barrow has recently focused special attention to healthcare delivery in the country, launching a model Community Ambulance Service and the building and inauguration of twenty four community health facilities around the country. President Barrow said as outlined in the National Development Plan, his government will make healthcare affordable and more accessible to the people. 

The Minister of Health, Dr Ahamadou Lamin Samateh disclosed that government has already invested over D350 million worth of equipment in the health sector. He noted that while there is room to improve, maternal death rates have dropped from 350/100,000 to 289/100,000 under the Barrow Administration.   He highlighted socio-cultural factors contributing to maternal deaths and urge men to support their wives during the critical stages in pregnancy.  
Dr Samateh emphasised that early reporting during pregnancy and labour could enable health workers timely detect signs and avert  some of the challenges.

Earlier on, President Barrow inaugurated two health posts  in Brikama Nyambai and Welingara. Both facilities were also allocated ambulances to facilitate the quick transport of patients to hospitals when necessary.