PRESIDENT BARROW VISITED THE NATIONAL FOOD & DRUG QUALITY CONTROL LAB

Описание: His Excellency President Adama Barrow today conducted an official visit to the construction site of the National Food & Drug Quality Control Laboratory, a major national infrastructure project under the Gambia Essential Health Services Strengthening initiative. The visit forms part of his ongoing Meet the People Tour, during which the President is inspecting development projects across the country. He was accompanied by senior government officials, project stakeholders, and technical experts for an on-site assessment of the ongoing works. The visit aimed to evaluate progress, review implementation challenges, and reaffirm the government’s commitment to strengthening national health systems.

The National Food & Drug Quality Control Laboratory is a $10 million investment designed to serve as the national reference centre for the testing and certification of food, drugs, medical, and related products. The facility will ensure that items entering the Gambian market meet established safety and quality standards before they reach the public.

Once completed, the laboratory will provide local testing and certification, reducing reliance on foreign laboratories. It will shorten testing turnaround times, strengthen public health protection through improved quality assurance, and enhance consumer confidence in food and pharmaceutical products.

During the visit, President Barrow expressed satisfaction with the ongoing works and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting systems that safeguard public health. He commended project partners and technical teams for their dedication and urged them to meet the expected completion timeline. The President highlighted the importance of the facility in boosting national capacity, especially in ensuring that food and drugs consumed by Gambians are safe, certified, and aligned with international standards.

According to project officials, construction and installation works are progressing steadily, and the facility is expected to be completed and operational by the end of the year. President Barrow’s visit underscores the government’s continued investment in public health, safety, and regulatory strengthening. The completion of the National Food & Drug Quality Control Lab will mark a significant milestone in the Gambia’s efforts to protect consumers, enhance quality control, and ensure the wellbeing of the population.

The ongoing works are being supervised by NETSYSTEME INFORMATIQUE.