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Momodou
Denmark
11512 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Mar 2021 : 05:21:49
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PRESS RELEASE - Ministry of Health (MOH)
The Ministry of Health hereby informs the general public that, with effect from the 11th day of March, 2021, all intending travellers requiring COVID 19 testing and certification will pay an amount of three thousand Dalasis (D3,000.00). This fee is payable to the Account outlined below;:
Account Name: Covid-19 Testing Fees
Account number: 6254509543
BBAN: 008101625450954373
Name of the Bank: ECOBANK GAMBIA LTD
Every traveller is required to pay this fee and present receipt at sample collection sites. Samples are still collected at the Independence Station and Brusubi Turn table near Ministry of Energy. COVID 19 samples can be collected between 10.00 am and 02.00 pm. Test result (certificate) is however collected at the Central Medical Stores Complex in Kotu between 01.00 pm and 06.00 pm upon presentation of Bank payment receipt.
The public is informed that, the COVID 19 pandemic continues to pose challenges, considerably overwhelming our health system. Besides, since the reopening of airports and subsequent introduction of new protocols such as mandatory provision of negative COVID 19 viral test by travellers within three days of travel period, the cost of testing has exponentially been on increase. It thus become imperative to effect this payment scheme to help manage the cost effeiciently. The fee can be a reflection of the resource cost the national reference laboratory faces for completing COVID 19 diagnostic test in a timely manner.
The Ministry of Health assures the general public that, COVID 19 tests conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory and the Medical Research Council and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in The Gambia are effective and safe, thus urge all to utilize only these two facilities for testing and certification of COVID 19 samples. The public is further reminded, receipts in respect of payment may be requested at the airport during departure, therefore, travelers are urged to keep their receipts. The public is encouraged to call to the Ministry of Health Toll-Free Number-1025 for other related information.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Health is soliciting the continuous support and cooperation of the general public in its efforts to contain COVID-19 and also in addressing all health care needs of the population.
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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Momodou
Denmark
11512 Posts |
Posted - 09 Mar 2021 : 16:37:23
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Possible implications for exorbitant cost for COVID 19 test certificate
By D. A. Jawo
Once again, it appears that the government of the Gambia has taken advantage of a particular situation in order to make money from the people; with the ministry of Health demanding D3000 (three thousand Dalasis) for a COVID 19 test certificate for people travelling out of this country.
Of course, while no one expects such a service to be provided free of charge as there are expenses involved in its discharge, however, the amount they are demanding is quite exorbitant. Right now, the COVID 19 test is being done free of charge and as it is the same process for those travelling, then it certainly does not make much sense to ask for such a huge amount just for a test certificate.
Of course, it is obvious that it is just another opportunity for the ministry to make money, which they are ready to capitalize on, knowing quite well that travelers will pay as they have no other choice, but are the authorities not aware of some possible negative implications of that decision? One such possible implication is that the crooks and fraudsters may soon get into the business, now that there is a lot of money to be realized from it. As there is hardly any security printing in this country, it would be quite easy for those intending to make quick money from the process to get involved by forging the test certificates. We all know how easy it is to forge Gambian documents. We have heard, for instance, that even our diplomatic passports, which were supposed to be among the most secure of our national documents, were being forged, it would be very easy to forge the COVID 19 test certificate. Therefore, it may just be a matter of time before those bad people start doing exactly that.
Therefore, one would wonder whether the ministry actually put into consideration all the possible implications when they were taking such a decision to peg the amount that high. For instance, did they ever consider the possibility of fraudsters getting into the business and started forging those certificates? In such a situation, it can certainly have very serious implications for the health sector. Eventually, if those fake certificates get intercepted outside this country, then the very credibility of our authentic documents would be compromised and that would mean more trouble for travelers from the Gambia.
It is therefore quite important to always consider all possible implications of whatever actions we take, rather than only looking at the amount of money to be realized from such actions. |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12237 Posts |
Posted - 09 Mar 2021 : 17:48:31
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SNIPPET:
"It is therefore quite important to always consider all possible implications of whatever actions we take, rather than only looking at the amount of money to be realized from such action"
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Remember,the possible disincentive to the tourism industry a big cash cow to the Gambian economy together with remitances from friends outside Gambia.
Related topic:
https://www.gambia.dk/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17141
++++++++++
quote:
Originally posted by Momodou
Possible implications for exorbitant cost for COVID 19 test certificate
By D. A. Jawo
Once again, it appears that the government of the Gambia has taken advantage of a particular situation in order to make money from the people; with the ministry of Health demanding D3000 (three thousand Dalasis) for a COVID 19 test certificate for people travelling out of this country.
Of course, while no one expects such a service to be provided free of charge as there are expenses involved in its discharge, however, the amount they are demanding is quite exorbitant. Right now, the COVID 19 test is being done free of charge and as it is the same process for those travelling, then it certainly does not make much sense to ask for such a huge amount just for a test certificate.
Of course, it is obvious that it is just another opportunity for the ministry to make money, which they are ready to capitalize on, knowing quite well that travelers will pay as they have no other choice, but are the authorities not aware of some possible negative implications of that decision? One such possible implication is that the crooks and fraudsters may soon get into the business, now that there is a lot of money to be realized from it. As there is hardly any security printing in this country, it would be quite easy for those intending to make quick money from the process to get involved by forging the test certificates. We all know how easy it is to forge Gambian documents. We have heard, for instance, that even our diplomatic passports, which were supposed to be among the most secure of our national documents, were being forged, it would be very easy to forge the COVID 19 test certificate. Therefore, it may just be a matter of time before those bad people start doing exactly that.
Therefore, one would wonder whether the ministry actually put into consideration all the possible implications when they were taking such a decision to peg the amount that high. For instance, did they ever consider the possibility of fraudsters getting into the business and started forging those certificates? In such a situation, it can certainly have very serious implications for the health sector. Eventually, if those fake certificates get intercepted outside this country, then the very credibility of our authentic documents would be compromised and that would mean more trouble for travelers from the Gambia.
It is therefore quite important to always consider all possible implications of whatever actions we take, rather than only looking at the amount of money to be realized from such actions.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 09 Mar 2021 17:50:25 |
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kiwi
Sweden
660 Posts |
Posted - 10 Mar 2021 : 10:48:39
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Oh my God, so this is required of all leaving the country? Itīs terribly costy!
My ex will leave in the end of the month. Need to tell him. |
kiwi |
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Momodou
Denmark
11512 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2021 : 19:57:44
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PRESSRELEASE
REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE
GRTS BUILDING, MDI ROAD, KANIFING, THE GAMBIA, WEST AFRICA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON
Tel: (220) 4378000 Fan (220) 4278029
The Gambia Government Spokesperson
Press Release Dated: 11Ū March, 2021
Re: The Gambia Government Reduces Covid-19 Test Fee
Effectively immediately, The Gambia Government has decided o reduce the newly Imposed COVID-19 test fee for international travellers from three thousand Dalasis (3000 GMD) to two thousand five hundred Dalasi (2500 GMD) which is equivalent to
fifty (50) US Dollars. This decision is consistent with ECOWAS recommendations in harmonizing issues governing the COVIO-19 pandemic within the West African Sub region.
Ever since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the county, The Gambia Government was among only a few countries globally that never charged fees for all COVID-related expenses including until very recently, exorbitant hotel expenses for
mandatory quarantine.
However, because of the rising costs of medical equipment, supplies and attendant logistical and financial burdens, The Gambia Government found it logical to share some
of these costs with intending international travellers.
Signed:
Ebrima G Sankareh
The Gambia Government Spokesperson |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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toubab1020
12237 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2021 : 23:11:25
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A reduction of D500 is welcome and the recognition QUOTE :
"The Gambia Government was among only a few countries globally that never charged fees for all COVID-related expenses including until very recently, exorbitant hotel expenses for mandatory quarantine." has been noted by the government together with QUOTE:
"However, because of the rising costs of medical equipment, supplies and attendant logistical and financial burdens, The Gambia Government found it logical to share some
of these costs with intending international travellers."
These actions are undestandable bearing in mind the giant debt burden carried by Gambia and exacipated by the Covid 19 pandemic.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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kiwi
Sweden
660 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2021 : 10:42:35
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| I very much agree on that the tourist and other international travelers shoud take part of the costs, also noting that the price now is reduced. |
kiwi |
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PRESS RELEASE - Ministry of Health (MOH)
