Healthcare Costs Surge in The Gambia as Nurses and Patients Raise Concerns

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

Healthcare costs in The Gambia have risen sharply following the introduction of new tariffs across public health facilities, adding to concerns over the growing financial burden on patients and persistent medicine shortages.

Information obtained by The Fatu Network indicates that, effective June 1st, 2026, patients seeking medical care are facing significantly higher charges for a range of services.

Consultation fees, previously set at D25, have increased to D100. Other treatments that once cost around D1,000 are now reported to exceed D3,000 for Gambian patients, with non Gambians paying substantially more.

The increases have sparked concern among both patients and healthcare workers.

Fatou Ceesay, a patient at Kanifing General Hospital, said she was shocked by the new charges.

“After paying all the fees, you are still told to go and buy medicine from the pharmacy,” she said. “I came with D25, but I was informed it is now D100. Everything has gone up.”

Ms. Ceesay questioned the justification for the increases, arguing that they do not reflect the level of service being provided.

A nurse at Kanifing General Hospital, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the new tariff structure is placing frontline health workers in a difficult position.

“When we inform patients about the increased charges, many direct their frustration at us. Some even use offensive language because they think we are responsible, but we are not,” the nurse said.

The nurse also warned that some patients may leave without receiving the treatment they need because they cannot afford the higher fees.

The situation is expected to generate further debate as patients, healthcare workers and authorities grapple with the impact of the new charges.

This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.