Opposition Gambia For All has issued a statement over the tussle between the ministry of health and the country’s nurses.
The BB Darbo-led party said in their statement on Tuesday evening the tussle between the Gambia Government and the Nurse’s Association is “unacceptable, unbecoming, unprofessional, and is reflective of the chaos and corruption that permeates through all levels of government”.
“It is having a serious adverse impact on the health and wellbeing of the population. As a responsible political party, GFA is urging the Government to spare no efforts in engaging the Nurses Associations, and also asking the Government Spokesperson to refrain from making manipulative press releases that do not address the core issues at stake,” GFA said in their statement.
They added: “In the middle of a deadly pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than 300 Gambians, the Ministry of Health, from the very beginning, appears to be in total disarray over the setting of priorities in the management of the pandemic.
“From the lack of PPEs, resulting in a high rate of COVID-19 positives among care workers, to lack the of oxygen and intensive care beds for COVID-19 patients, coupled with a relaxation of COVID-19 prevention regulations, and the apparent indifference of the authorities to address core issues of conditions of service and supplies of consumables; it is not a surprise that we are experiencing periodic tools down by various healthcare cadres. The situation is dire, and we hope the health authorities realize it. It will not be an overstatement to say that the country is facing a potential HEALTHCARE ARMAGEDDON.
“From the beginning of the health crisis, GFA has made several press statements urging the authorities to be transparent, competent, compassionate, and consultative in the management of the pandemic. Our contributions appear to have fallen on deaf ears, as the Ministry of Health hastily embarked on a dubious spending spree that is now being questioned by many concerned citizens as lacking in transparency, not in compliance with proper financial procedures.
“Like all aspects of governance, healthcare is everyone’s business. We cannot remain indifferent when we see and hear about millions of taxpayer Dalasis being requested, and released for the purpose of spending on healthcare, and yet, even the most basic and essential supplies of gloves, needles and syringes are still unavailable at many healthcare facilities. The dire situation is almost verging on criminal negligence by the Ministry of Health.”
