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 are around 7 main government-run / private
health centres, 12 smaller centres, 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.
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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
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Health
Population Health
Traditional Medicine
