Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Dr. Ammar Al Jafari, the Syrian-born Chief Medical Director of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, has been relieved of his duties. Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, the current Director of Health Services, will succeed him in the role.
Dr. Al Jafari, who has been serving as Chief Medical Director since August 2022, was among a dozen Syrian doctors who arrived in The Gambia during the peak of the Syrian civil war. His tenure has been marked by persistent challenges, many of which he has vocalized since his earlier appearances before the Joint Committee of the National Assembly, known as PAC/PEC.
In April 2015, Dr. Al Jafari openly criticized the inadequate budget allocated to the hospital, revealing that the institution was overwhelmed by the sheer number of patient referrals, which had soared to 1,600 daily, forcing a monthly expenditure of D2 million. He also highlighted the cumbersome procurement process, which hindered timely acquisition of essential medications due to mandatory approvals from the Ministry and the Procurement Agency.
Since assuming the role of Chief Medical Director, Dr. Al Jafari faced numerous hurdles, including a severe shortage of functional ambulances. In October last year, he disclosed that the hospital was operating with only one fully functional ambulance, necessitating reliance on external aid during emergencies to avoid risking patients’ lives.
Dr. Al Jafari also played a pivotal role in accelerating the completion of the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit, aiming to accommodate more patients requiring urgent care. In a significant move to enhance transparency and combat corruption, he brokered a deal with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) to implement a digital revenue collection system. This change resulted in a substantial 240% increase in cash collection within a month of its implementation.
However, his tenure has not been without controversy. Allegations of fraud and mismanagement led to a series of heated exchanges between the hospital’s board chairman, Dr. Adama Sallah, and the deputy chief medical director, Dr. Abubacarr Jagne. This conflict resulted in the suspension of both individuals and the launch of an audit to investigate the claims.
It remains unclear if Dr. Al Jafari’s dismissal is connected to the ongoing audit and the allegations of corruption and mismanagement. His departure marks a significant change in the leadership of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, as the institution continues to navigate through its myriad challenges.
