Gambian parliamentarians have pushed for the setting up of a new committee to oversee an independent investigation into the deaths of 70 children from Acute Kidney Injury linked to India made contaminated cough syrups. 

The lawmakers met today (26 Oct) during a specially convened parliamentary session on the national tragedy. 

However, some parliamentarians objected to a new committe, arguing that the house health committee should take the lead role  in the investigation. 

Among those supporting the parliament health committee includes Sulayman Jamme, MP for BundungKa Kunda Constituency.

He said they are all brothers and sisters in the house, adding that they should not be attacking each other in the parliament.

However, Omar Jammeh, national assembly member for Janjanbureh called for the setting up of a new committee,adding “I would suggest we have a joint committee to do the investigation for the national assembly.”

Foni Bintang national assembly member, Bakary Badjie, also supported the formation of a new committee. He however called for thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

After a lengthy debate, the parliamentarians decided to task the health committee to investigate the incident and submit a preliminary report by November 30.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba