Gambians have called on the minister of health Dr Amadu Lamin Samateh to resign following the death of 66 children from contaminated paracetamol syrups. 

They also called on the government to arrest all those involved in importing the contaminated syrups into the country.

“Dr Samateh should honourably resign because this tragedy happened under his leadership and the government should do us a favour and arrest all those people involved this heinous action. 

“This is a huge loss to the nation. Kids who know nothing to lose their lives due to the carelessness of our health officials is sickening,” Ebrima Njie said.

“You have a Ministry of Health and Medicines Control Agency and yet toxic drugs have to cost us more than 60 lives. 

“Health workers lose their jobs in Senegal after a fire incident that claimed lives of innocent babies. Let’s be serious,” Baba Touray said.

However, Dr Ahmadu Lamin Samateh reacted: “I don’t think resignation will serve any purpose in this crisis. In the sense that resignation is not the way out. 

“We have a serious issue to deal with. I have done a lot and continue to do a lot of good work in the health sector.

“Certainly, people have been saying resign when I started because of the control measures I am putting in place. And I am sure it’s good for the country.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba