Bansang General Hospital has initiated plans to establish a dedicated Liver and Gastrointestinal (GI) Unit as part of efforts to improve access to specialised care for patients with liver and digestive conditions in the Central River Region and surrounding areas.

The move follows recent discussions held at the hospital on liver diseases and gastrointestinal conditions, with health professionals stressing the need for focused services to address growing cases of chronic liver illnesses in the country.

Medical data show that more than eight percent of the Gambian population lives with chronic hepatitis B, a leading cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Health officials note that liver cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in The Gambia, with many patients seeking medical care at advanced stages of the disease.

Limited access to specialised services outside the Greater Banjul Area has also contributed to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

According to the hospital, the proposed Liver and GI Unit will initially focus on comprehensive liver care, with plans to introduce endoscopy services in the future.

This is expected to significantly reduce the need for patients to travel to the Kombos for specialised gastrointestinal services.

As part of preparations for the unit, capacity building has already begun.

Two medical doctors and two nurses at Bansang General Hospital have completed training in the assessment, management and care of liver and gastrointestinal conditions.

The hospital acknowledged the technical support and leadership of Dr Sheikh Omar Bitaye and Mr Sandybah Tamba of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), who spent three days at Bansang General Hospital supporting the initiative.

Hospital authorities said the establishment of the Liver and GI Unit reflects Bansang General Hospital’s continued commitment to expanding access to quality and specialised healthcare services for communities in the region.

By Adama Makasuba