The Gambia, a small West African nation, provides essential healthcare services through a network of public hospitals, health centers, and private clinics. While the country’s healthcare resources are limited compared to more developed nations, hospitals in the Gambia play a vital role in delivering emergency, general, and maternal healthcare services to residents and visitors.
This guide is published under the Hospitals in Gambia category on MyHospitalNow. It’s written to help patients, expatriates, and travelers understand available hospital services, what to expect in care, and how to choose the right facility when medical attention is needed.
Overview of the Healthcare System in Gambia
Gambia’s healthcare system is structured around public hospitals and health centers, supported by some private clinics and nonprofit facilities. The Ministry of Health leads healthcare delivery, prioritizing maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and emergency care.
Key characteristics include:
- Government-run public hospitals and clinics
- Mission and private healthcare providers
- Focus on maternal, child, and preventive care
- Referral systems for advanced treatment
Even though hospital resources can be limited, especially outside the capital, efforts continue to improve medical services and access across the country.
Treatments & Medical Services Available in Gambia
Hospitals in the Gambia commonly provide:
- General medicine and outpatient care
- Emergency and trauma services
- Maternal and child health services
- Basic surgical procedures
- Pediatrics and general practice
- Internal medicine and chronic disease treatment
- Laboratory diagnostics and imaging (basic level)
Highly specialized services such as advanced oncology or cardiac surgery are typically limited and may require referral to facilities outside the country.
Public vs Private Hospitals in Gambia
| Aspect | Public Hospitals | Private Hospitals |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Government and health ministry | Private clinics & donor facilities |
| Cost | Subsidized | Higher |
| Accessibility | Nationwide | Mostly urban |
| Specialization | General and emergency | Some specialized outpatient services |
| Infrastructure | Basic to moderate | Better diagnostic & comfort |
Public hospitals serve the majority of patients, while private hospitals and clinics often offer shorter wait times and more personalized care.
10 Hospital Comparison Table (Gambia)
This comparison table under the Hospitals in Gambia section on MyHospitalNow helps patients compare major Gambian hospitals across key care criteria.
Note: Exact bed counts and doctor counts are often not publicly disclosed; where unavailable, this is clearly stated.
| Hospital Name | City / Region | Hospital Type | Beds (Approx.) | Doctor Count (Approx.) | Key Specializations | Emergency 24/7 | Surgery | Diagnostics | Patient Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital | Banjul | National Referral Hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | Emergency, general medicine | Yes | Yes | Yes | Largest referral hospital |
| Serrekunda General Hospital | Serrekunda | Regional public hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | Medicine, emergency | Yes | Yes | Basic | Major urban hospital outside capital |
| Brikama Health Centre | Brikama | Regional hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | General medicine | Yes | Yes | Basic | Serves western region |
| Bansang Hospital | Bansang | District hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | Medicine, general care | Yes | Yes | Basic | Key regional care center |
| Farafenni Regional Hospital | Farafenni | Regional hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | General & emergency care | Yes | Yes | Basic | Important inland facility |
| Bwiam District Hospital | Bwiam | District hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | General medicine | Yes | Yes | Basic | Local emergency and inpatient |
| Jeshwang Primary Healthcare | Jeshwang | Health facility | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | Outpatient & basic care | No | Limited | Basic | Focus on outpatient services |
| Private Medical Services Hospital | Kairaba | Private hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | Diagnostics, general medicine | Yes | Yes | Moderate | One of the principal private facilities |
| Kanifing General Hospital | Kanifing | Urban hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | Emergency, general care | Yes | Yes | Basic | Serves major urban area |
| St. John’s Mercy Hospital | Basse | Mission/private hospital | Not publicly disclosed | Not publicly disclosed | General care | Yes | Yes | Basic | Mission-run hospital |
Medical Equipment & Infrastructure
Hospital infrastructure in the Gambia varies. Major referral centers typically offer basic laboratory diagnostics and imaging, including X-ray and routine blood tests. Advanced imaging such as CT or MRI machines are limited and may not be available at all facilities. Many hospitals rely on referral networks or partnerships for more advanced diagnostic capabilities.
Public hospitals may have more limited equipment compared to private hospitals or mission clinics, which sometimes invest in modern diagnostic tools.
Cost of Treatment in Gambia
Treatment costs depend on the facility type:
- Public hospitals: Generally subsidized and more affordable
- Private hospitals: Higher fees but faster service and additional amenities
- Out-of-pocket costs: May vary based on service and insurance coverage
Foreign visitors should expect to pay higher fees than residents, and travel or health insurance is recommended for major procedures.
Recovery, Follow-Up & Patient Support
Recovery and follow-up care in the Gambia typically involve scheduled outpatient visits, medication management, and monitoring at local clinics or health centers. Rehabilitation services such as physiotherapy may be available at select hospitals or private facilities but are more limited than general care.
Family support and follow-up at community clinics are integral parts of post-treatment care.
Real Patient Experiences
Patients in the Gambia often describe healthcare providers as compassionate, especially in emergency and maternal care areas. Public hospitals are appreciated for essential services, while private clinics are frequently chosen for quicker access to diagnostics and personalized attention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are hospitals in the Gambia reliable?
Yes — especially for basic care and emergencies, though resources are limited in some areas.
Is healthcare affordable in Gambia?
Public care is subsidized; private care costs are higher.
Can visitors receive treatment?
Yes — hospitals and clinics serve both residents and visitors.
Are private hospitals available?
Yes, in urban areas like Kanifing and Kairaba.
Is advanced medical care available?
Some advanced care is available, though major specialties may require referral abroad.
Are diagnostics available in hospitals?
Basic diagnostics are available; advanced imaging may be limited.
Do hospitals provide emergency services 24/7?
Yes, most major hospitals offer round-the-clock emergency care.
Is English spoken in healthcare settings?
Yes, English is widely used in medical communication.
Final Thoughts: Healthcare Guidance for Gambia
Hospitals in the Gambia provide essential and life-saving medical care across the country, particularly through public and referral hospitals. While infrastructure and resources vary, major facilities in urban areas offer dependable emergency and general care services.
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To explore more healthcare guides and country-specific hospital content, visit MyHospitalNow and browse the full Hospitals in Gambia category.