President Adama Barrow has said there is no hospital in the world where everything is free.

Speaking in Farafenni during his ongoing “Meet the People Tour,” Barrow said: “In America, healthcare is not free. People travel from the US to India or Turkey for treatment. Even Gambians who fall sick in America often come back home for treatment, sometimes even for dental procedures, because it is cheaper here in Gambia.”

He recalled his experiences abroad before becoming president, adding that he knows what is being said about healthcare globally.

 “The Meet the People Tour is meant for dialogue. I was elected by you to serve, and as your servant, I am here to listen to your concerns,” he said.

Barrow also emphasized the role of the government budget in service delivery.

“Government is run by a budget. What our budget allows, we finance; what we cannot, we explore loans and partnerships. Gambia is a poor country, and we rely on both internal and external support to get things done,” he stressed.

He added that even countries considered second-world, including America, do not provide everything for free and often carry debts higher than Gambia’s.

By Adama Makasuba