The opposition Gambia For All (GFA) party has told government spokesman Ebrima Sankareh to refrain from making manipulative press releases amid nurses and midwives sit-down strike.

In a statement the party said: “The tussle between the Gambia Government and the Nurses 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,” it 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.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba