By Olimatou Coker
The Gambia Red Cross Society (GRCS), on Tuesday handed over oxygen concentrators worth over one million dalasis to 11 hospitals in The Gambia through the Ministry of Health at an event held at GRCS head offices in Kanifing.
The Edward Francis Small Teaching, Kanifing General, Bwiam General, Farafenni General, Brikama District, Essau District, and Bansang hospitals were among those to have received the concentrators.
Abdoulie Fye, the director of programmes and operations, GRCS, said the oxygen concentrators will help in the fight against Covid-19.
“We can’t say the rate of infection has gone down but it is important to prepare and protect ourselves more,” he explained.
Alasana Senghore, secretary general of GRCS, spoke about the importance of oxygen, saying it is the most important thing in life.
Mohammed Omer Mukhier, Africa regional director – International Federation for the Red Cross (IFRC), said: “In The Gambia, we are trying to improve in four areas namely: testing, vaccination, community engagement and dignified burial.”
Dr Mustapha Bittaye, director of health services, said it was not the first time the GRCS donated them.
“We are very happy with the partnership with GRCS,” he said.
Baboucarr Saine, of Kanifing General Hospital, delivered the vote of thanks, noting the important role played by the GRCS in the Covid-19 national response efforts since the advent of the pandemic in the country.
