The resident doctors who have gone on a sit-strike little over a month ago have reached a consensus with Government to go back to work.
Doctors have begun the strike over remark made by the health minister Saffie Lowe accusing “young doctors” of “pilfering medicine” at health facilities.
Gambian hospitals often deal with acute lack of basic medical consumables at their stores and the minister had insinuated that such inadequacy was as a result of corruption in the health sector.
“We have reached an agreement to restore full services in all public health facilities. This was made possible following series of engagement with the government and reaching an agreement with both parties ready to uphold their end,” the doctors said in a statement signed by Ebrima Bah, president of the Association of Resident Doctors.
The strike of over 200 doctors had crippled the country’s health system especially hospitals that were relying entirely on the services of resident doctors like Serrekunda, Bwiam and Bansang hospitals.
The initial demand of the doctors was the resignation of the health minister. However, the government failed to comply.
However, the doctors used the opportunity to shed light on the acute lack of basics in everything in Gambia’s healthcare delivery.
“We wish to encourage the government to put in more efforts in healthcare and honour its commitment to give priority to the health sector’s institutional reforms for efficiency and improved service delivery,” the doctors added.
By Mustapha K Darboe