By Lamin Njie
Health Minister Dr Ahmadou Lamin Samateh won the admiration of members of the public online after his blunt comments some health workers were more interested in money than fighting COVID-19.
The health minister in bombshell revelations at the national assembly on Saturday said some healthcare workers have begun forgetting about the fight against COVID-19 after the government promised them allowances.
His comments triggered widespread reaction from members of the public online, with most commending the top healthcare professional for his forthrightness.
However, Banjul national assembly member Touma Njai has insisted that the comments were the same exact comments said by Dr Samateh’s predecessor Saffie Lowe Ceesay.
“A female Health Minister ones [sic] mentioned that there were corrupt officials within her ministry in a press conference. What happened to her? She was criticised by the majority of the people now applauding Dr Samateh for saying same,” the female lawmaker wrote on Facebook.
She added: “I applaud Samateh for coming out boldly. This was what Dr. Saffie Lowe-Ceesay also said. What she said was not something new or taken out from thin air . She said Life Saving medicines had been missing in our hospitals and health centers for as long as one could remember and Said it shouldn´t come as a shock to anyone.
“The lady minister also took the leaf out of her mouth and spoke her mind on something we all very well knew existed . What happened to her? I think it’s about time we appreciate what our female compatriots are going through, stand up for them and encourage them not crucify them.”
