Gambia National Healthcare Infrastructure Complex

The Gambia is taking a decisive step towards improving the quality of healthcare and strengthening its capacity to respond to emergencies, epidemics and public health challenges. In this context, IDOM has contributed to the design of three key facilities promoted by the country’s Ministry of Health and funded by the World Bank: the National Emergency Treatment Center (NETC), the National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory (NFDQCL) and the Biomedical Engineering Unit (BEU).

These projects form part of a national strategy to strengthen healthcare services, reduce dependence on external resources and expand access to safe, modern, high-quality medical care for the population.

Located in Farato, the National Emergency Treatment Center will form the core of The Gambia’s future Health City. The complex includes an observation centre, a treatment centre for critically ill patients, a national reference laboratory and healthcare training facilities. It will provide 84 observation beds and 20 intensive care beds for critically ill patients and those with infectious diseases, significantly enhancing the country’s preparedness for health emergencies and epidemics.

The design responds to local climatic conditions through bioclimatic solutions that promote natural ventilation, solar protection, daylighting and energy efficiency, while improving comfort and wellbeing for both patients and healthcare professionals.

The National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory will provide The Gambia, for the first time, with in-country capacity to analyse and certify medicines, food products, cosmetics and other consumer goods. Until now, many of these tests had to be carried out abroad. The new laboratory will strengthen food safety, combat counterfeit and substandard products, and enhance the protection of public health.

The Biomedical Engineering Unit will help ensure the long-term operation of the country’s healthcare facilities and medical equipment. The building includes workshops and dedicated spaces for maintenance activities, as well as training facilities for the professionals responsible for these tasks. This will reduce dependence on foreign technical assistance and increase the availability of healthcare technology across hospitals and health centres.

Together, these projects represent a strategic investment in infrastructure that will help improve healthcare delivery, strengthen disease prevention and control, and enhance the resilience of The Gambia’s healthcare system for decades to come.