141 PAPT Infertility Patients Discharged

The Daily Observer (Banjul)

Sheriff Janko

13 July 2011

The fifth batch of patients who underwent the infertility treatment component of the President’s Alternative Treatment Programme (PATP) in Kanilai were discharged yesterday.

The 141 patients comprising mainly young and middle-aged women underwent the weeklong free treatment courtesy of the Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh. Described by officials as the most complicated treatment so far, the infertility treatment involves drinking a cup of herbal medicine administered under the watchful eyes of the Gambian leader.

The treatment has been widely acclaimed for its effectiveness and success and since inception several years ago, has benefitted thousands of patients both from The Gambia and beyond, with many women who previously lost hope of bearing children conceiving and giving birth to bouncing babies. In an interview with reporters shortly after addressing the patients in Kanilai, Dr Tamsir Mbowe, the director general of the PATP harped on the effectiveness of The Gambian leader’s herbal treatment programme.

“The last batch [the fourth batch] comprises of 83 patients and today the fifth batch comprises of 141 patients. The demand is so high that depending on the request by the Gambian leader, we bring in this exact number of patients. We have so many patients presently in the waiting list. So they should exercise patience and know that they will all be treated. As earlier said by The Gambian leader, the demand for this treatment is so high and the cost involved in the management of this patients too is very high and most of the herbs used for the preparation of this medicine are not found within our sub-region. That is why it also takes us some time to prepare it as the Gambian leader who is the brainchild of the programme has so many other duties,” he said.

The PATP DG stated that due to the complex nature of the infertility treatment, it takes them roughly a week. He added that they follow the Gambian leader’s instructions and know what to do whenever he is not around. He explained that whenever they are in a difficult situation, they contact the president immediately as the head of the team. He also said that they are satisfied with the results achieved so far. Mbowe said some patients came in with many complications at the start of the treatment, and that after the treatment commenced some even reported seeing their period. “This is a sign of success. We are content with what we have seen so far both their physical, mental and clinical appearances. So we expect to have a good result as well,” he added.

Patients’ gratitude

Some of the patients who spoke to reporters hailed the Gambian leader for the treatment and the wonderful facilities accorded them during the treatment period. Saptieu Sarr, who spoke in tears said she has been married for 16 years now without a child, but since she started undergoing the treatment programme, she has noticed so many changes in her body. She thanked President Jammeh and prayed for his good health and long life.

Jeffeh Badjan, a patient from Senegal also thanked the Gambian leader for his efforts in salvaging humanity. She said she has been married now for 12 years without a child. She explained that she has visited so many places with a view to finding a solution to her barrenness, but to no avail. She commended President Jammeh for what she called ‘his openness which is second to none in the world’.

Others who spoke to reporters included Fatou Joof and Amie Sowe. They both echoed similar sentiments and commended President Jammeh for his foresight.

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