SANC Donates Mobile CT Scanner to The Gambia
Cutting of Ribbon for Launching Ceremony of CT Scanner © Askanwi
By Haddy Ceesay
The Swedish-African Neurosurgical Collaboration (SANC) donated a mobile computed tomography (CT) scanner and other medical equipment to the Ministry of Health on 23rd January 2025. The initiative aims to train Gambian health practitioners to operate the mobile CT scanner and other medical facilities. SANC’s trip also aims to strengthen its relationship with Gambian neurosurgical health experts.
CT scanners produce detailed images of the inside of patients' bodies, which is necessary for health practitioners to conduct thorough assessments of patients' health conditions, leading to more reliable diagnostics. According to research, CT scanners can detect signs of inflammation, injury, or disease of various internal organs, including but not limited to the liver, kidneys, and stomach, to name a few. It is also used to look at blood vessels and lymph nodes in the abdomen and can show a tumour in the abdomen.
SANC Head Dr. Jimmy Sundblom © Askanwi
During the launching ceremony, SANC Head of Team Dr. Jimmy Sundblom noted that "this is a great mission accomplished by all the doctors in our team, the Swedish-African Neurosurgical Collaboration. We have made a significant difference in The Gambia. We truly worked hard to make this happen.”
Dr. Sundblom stressed how his team collaborated with Dr. John N. Jabang, the head of the neurosurgical team at Ndemban Clinic. He stated that since their mission began in The Gambia, they have brought their equipment, training, and expertise to work alongside Dr. Jabang and his team. He called the mission a great success and urged his team to leave something valuable for Dr. Jabang's team. He expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in SANC by the Gambian team.
The Gambia has been struggling with the lack of a CT scanner in public hospitals and clinics, leaving patients with no choice but to pay hefty fees to access them in private hospitals and clinics. In 2020, a Standard News report revealed that patients paid as much as D5,000 to access CT scanner services after one at the Serrekunda Hospital needed maintenance.
In December 2023, the finance minister announced in his 2024 Budget Speech that the Global Fund would “support the provision of a CT scan as part of the country’s health system strengthening for US$2.4 million” to fight HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. However, it’s unclear if this CT scanner was procured in 2024, as stated in the budget.
Donated CT Scanner © Askanwi
Speaking on behalf of the Gambia’s Ministry of Health Neurosurgery Team, Dr. Jabang explained the amount of work that preceded SANC’s visit. Before their visit, SANC facilitated the shipments of medical equipment and supplies and also conducted training with nurses. Then, after their arrival, SANC Medical Experts performed surgeries with local personnel and left behind some of their medical equipment as a lasting legacy.
Highlighting a malfunction that occurred and the importance of the SANC Team’s support, Dr. Jabang revealed that “for the first time yesterday, we had a very bad case. An individual was working in this machine, and whatsoever that was spinning and cutting his aluminium, left up came and got stuck way into his brain. If the SANC team weren’t here, we would not have done the best for that patient. I can tell you that”.
