Dr. Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, minister of Health, has promised Gambian nurses of improved working conditions and adjustable provisional amenities.

Dr. Samateh, who assumed office after President Barrow reshuffled his cabinet for the second time, was speaking during International Nurses Day in Banjul on Monday.

Hundreds of nurses including staff and students converged at the Arch 22nd Square and marched down to the School of Nursing and Midwifery in their white garments.

Dr. Samateh promised that “plans are underway for structure adjustments and provision of amenities to make your work environment most conducive. We will do everything humanly possible to fix all nurses’ stations of our hospitals and health facilities with amenities for well-deserved breaks and rest periods.”

The former chief executive officer for Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital added that efforts will be strengthened in providing basic equipment in each health facility in the country to deliver quality health services.

He said “as your minister of Health I want to assure you that I am on your side. I praise your contribution to the health of this country.”

He described the nurse work force as the “largess” of the medical sector adding that they are responsible for over 80% of care episode and 85% of contact between patients and health care workers.

Dr. Samateh said “you deliver care to the people at the most hard to reach communities with minimal resources and under unfavorable environment.”

International Nurses Day is observed on May 12 every year that aims at celebrating the pivotal works nurses are rendering to the people across the globe.

The celebration that supposed to commence on Sunday was observed in The Gambia on Monday and it is expected to last for a whole week.

According to the World Health Organization, there are 29 million nurses serving across the world.  

Reporting by Adama Makasuba