Banjul General Hospital, the largest hospital in The Gambia, is facing a severe shortage of resources due to a sudden increase in the number of patients. The hospital, which is the country’s main referral center, is struggling to cope with the influx of patients, straining its already limited resources.
Increase in patient admissions
According to hospital officials, the number of patients admitted to the hospital has increased by more than 20% in the past month, many of whom are critical cases. The hospital’s emergency department is particularly overwhelmed, with patients forced to wait hours or even days to receive care.
Causes of the spike
Health officials attribute the increase in patient admissions to a combination of factors, including a recent outbreak of malaria and cholera, as well as an increase in accidents and injuries on the country’s roads. In addition, the hospital is also seeing an influx of patients with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which are increasingly prevalent in The Gambia.
Pressures on resources
The hospital is feeling the pressure of increasing patient numbers, with many of its resources stretched to capacity. Medical staff work long hours, with some reporting being on duty 24 hours straight. The hospital’s equipment and supplies are also stretched to the limit, with many beds and medical devices being used beyond capacity.
Impact on patient care
The strain on resources has a direct impact on patient care, with many patients forced to wait for treatment or be treated in makeshift facilities. The hospital’s emergency department is particularly hard hit, with patients forced to wait hours to receive treatment for life-threatening illnesses.
Efforts to alleviate the crisis
Hospital officials are working to ease the crisis by increasing staffing levels, bringing in additional medical equipment and upgrading hospital equipment. The hospital also works with other healthcare facilities across the country to provide additional support and care to patients.
Banjul General Hospital is facing a serious crisis due to a sudden increase in the number of patients. The hospital is feeling the pressure of increasing patient numbers, with many of its resources stretched to capacity. The impact on patient care is significant, with many patients forced to wait for treatment or treated in makeshift facilities. Efforts are being made to alleviate the crisis, but increased support is needed to ensure the hospital can continue to provide adequate care to patients.
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