Old Jeshwang Health Centre opened in 2002. From this purpose built facility we provide antenatal, intrapartum and post-partum healthcare for men and women. This includes infant welfare and vaccination clinics, family planning, hygiene and diet advice, minor casualty services, a pharmacy and health education. The infant welfare clinic enables the babies to receive vaccinations and their progress to be monitored. These services are provided by full time midwives.

 

More recently we have developed pathology, immunisation, disease surveillance, doctor, dentist, nutrition and blood collection and transfusion services. The Department of Health of The Gambia considers the Old Jeshwang Health Centre to be a "Centre of Excellence" in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

 

A well-equipped laboratory ensures that basic blood and urine testing for iron levels (to prevent anaemia) is easily available to all patients and there is also a pharmacy stocked with a large range of medications.

 

The Heath Centre also provides primary health programmes. These include:

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• malaria prevention initiatives, including the provision of bed-nets

• developing a major programme to reduce anaemia in school children and pregnant women

• a minor injury unit.​

 

The Health Centre is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and is staffed by 48 paid, full time staff. It has 6 beds to allow for overnight stays and close observation.

 

In-service training is provided by our senior midwife. There is a library and seminar room, providing staff with access to medical journals and text books, and allowing visiting professionals to give tutorials. We also have close links with students and research schools.