Banjul, 21 July 2025: The Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) has officially opened a newly renovated and fully equipped Urology Unit Theatre, thanks to a partnership between the Fatoumatta Bah Barrow Foundation (FaBB) and the Qatar Fund for Development. The new unit represents a significant step in enhancing specialist healthcare services in The Gambia.
The commissioning ceremony was held in Banjul and attended by the First Lady and FaBB Foundation founder, Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah Barrow. The event also brought together senior government officials, development partners, and representatives from the medical community.
Among the dignitaries present were the Deputy Ambassador of the State of Qatar to The Gambia, Minister of Health Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, and officials from the Ministries of Gender, Children and Social Welfare; and Environment. The Chief Medical Director of EFSTH and the board members of the Foundation were also in attendance.
The upgraded Urology Unit is now a state-of-the-art facility capable of offering life-saving procedures that previously required referral to hospitals outside the country. It is expected to provide access to quality care for patients nationwide, regardless of location or income.
The FaBB Foundation, as part of the initiative, also donated essential medical items and consumables to the hospital. These supplies are expected to improve day-to-day services within the unit and support better clinical outcomes.
During the ceremony, attendees viewed a documentary presentation that followed the project’s journey from concept to completion. It highlighted the collaborative effort between the Foundation, EFSTH staff, and the Qatar Fund for Development.
Officials described the inauguration as a big step forward in addressing gaps in the country’s specialist healthcare infrastructure. With the theatre now operational, EFSTH is positioned to expand its services and reduce dependency on overseas medical referrals.
By Mahzouba Maya Faal
