The Gambia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Rohey John Manjang, and Trade Ambassador Fatou Jallow Senghore, recently traveled to Turkey for medical check-ups at a private facility in Bayrampaşa, Istanbul. Both underwent general screenings of their health status, with Manjang receiving treatment and Jallow Senghore undergoing eye care.

Turkey has become a popular destination for medical tourism, offering a combination of climate, sea, beaches, thermal resources, and opportunities for Thalassotherapy, which uses seawater as a form of treatment, along with forests, plateaus, and ease of transportation.

Manjang and Jallow Senghore expressed satisfaction with the medical care they received, with Manjang noting that it was her first visit to Turkey and expressing a desire for a Turkish hospital in The Gambia offering similar care. Jallow Senghore stated that they would return to Turkey for further treatment.

The use of health tourism by wealthy Gambians, including government officials, highlights the challenges faced by The Gambia’s health system, which is often unable to provide optimal treatment for various pathologies and chronic illnesses.

While many countries are known for their advanced medical services and technology, Turkey’s reasonably priced and excellent medical facilities have made it a preferred destination for health tourism.

However, questions arise regarding the funding of government officials’ health tourism, raising concerns about equality, healthcare access, and transparency. It is crucial for The Gambia’s government to address these issues and prioritize the well-being of all citizens.