Health Care Law at Gambia
The Gambia has established a legal and policy framework aimed at improving healthcare access, quality, and equity for its population. Here's an overview of the key components:
🇬🇲 National Health Policy 2021–2030
The National Health Policy of The Gambia (2021–2030) is aligned with the country's development goals and aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) health targets. Its mission is to provide quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare within the context of Primary Health Care, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and ensuring that no one suffers financial hardship due to ill-health. (National Health Policy of The Gambia, 2021-2030 | WHO | Regional Office for Africa)
🏥 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established under the NHIS Act 2021 to provide financial risk protection and ensure access to healthcare for all residents of The Gambia. The Act mandates that every resident, who is not a member of a private health insurance scheme, must register with the NHIS within two years of its implementation. The NHIS is overseen by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which licenses and regulates both private commercial and mutual health insurance schemes. (Our History – NHIA, NHIA)
⚖️ Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Patients in The Gambia are entitled to several rights, including:
The right to respectful care by competent healthcare workers.
The right to privacy and confidentiality regarding their medical condition and records.
The right to informed consent, meaning patients must be provided with information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks in understandable terms.
The right to refuse treatment to the extent permitted by law.
The right to access their medical records and request amendments.
The right to make advance directives, such as living wills or healthcare power of attorney.
The right to care without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or other status.
The right to be informed of facility rules and regulations.
The right to receive emergency procedures without unnecessary delay.
The right to quality care and high professional standards.
The right to make complaints about care received. (What Do We Know About A Patient's Rights And Responsibilities? – The Standard Newspaper | Gambia, What do you know about your rights & responsibilities as Healthcare patient in the Gambia - The Point)
Patients are also responsible for providing accurate health information, reporting changes in their condition, and adhering to treatment plans. (What Do We Know About A Patient's Rights And Responsibilities? – The Standard Newspaper | Gambia)
🧪 National Health Laboratory Services Policy 2021–2025
The National Health Laboratory Services Policy (2021–2025) aims to establish high-quality laboratory services across all levels of healthcare in The Gambia. The policy focuses on developing the necessary capacity, defining standards for laboratory practices, and restructuring the Directorate of National Public Health Laboratories into the Directorate of National Health Laboratory Services. It also emphasizes the establishment of a quality management system, accreditation of laboratories, and the creation of the Gambia Medical Laboratory Council to regulate laboratory personnel and institutions. (National Health Laboratory Services Policy 2021 2025 | InforMEA)
⚖️ Abortion Laws
Abortion in The Gambia is generally illegal except to save the life of the mother or to prevent birth defects. The Women's Act of 2010 legalized abortion under these specific circumstances. Section 140 of the Criminal Code criminalizes procuring an abortion, while Section 141 criminalizes self-induced abortion. Section 142 punishes supplying materials for an abortion. However, Section 198 states that abortion is not a crime if it is done to preserve the life of the mother. The law does not specify criteria for legal abortion. (Abortion in the Gambia)
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