ABOUT LHC
A little bit of history...
LHC is a clinic in the heart of the village of Lamin in the busy Southwest of The Gambia. The current premises has been a local health center since 1994. But it was dirty, cockroaches were running across the walls, there were leaks everywhere and the water bill had not been paid in months. The doctor at the time had only one bowl of water per day to work with...
In 2014, the Children of Lamin Foundation (KvL), located in the Netherlands, decided to renovate the current building in collaboration with MRC-Holland and the Wilde Ganzen Foundation. What started out as charity work for Annemieke de Koning by guiding this healthcare project in a third world country, has now grown into a full-time voluntary job. She utilises her knowledge as a nurse, and experience and expertise in various management positions in Care and Welfare, for the well-being and social importance of many Gambian lives.
Can you picture what this clinic looks like? Take a look at some snapshots of the nearby school and of course LHC itself in the gallery and this video (minute 2:33-4:12): https://youtu.be/ZlbETNUJ1Xs
The history of LHC is characterized by the close collaboration with locals and Gambians from all over the country; this work would be impossible without them.
Unexpected visitors are always welcome
Our facilities
The building consists of two adult wards, a pediatric ward, a private room and a dressingroom. There are two offices where doctors can do their consultations. The Emergency Room is equipped with ECG, oxygen and monitors. There is also a modern ultrasound machine. There is a pharmacy, laboratory, reception and pantry. Opposite the clinic there is a comfortable labour ward and a morgue. Finally, there is a fully equipped dental clinic.
Read more about our facilities here with pictures of our various departments.
Our shared goals
The financial situation of Lamin Health Center (LHC) must be robust and safeguarded in order to ensure continuity and quality of care. Our goals are aimed to ensure sustainable and high quality care, today and in the days to come.
The services provided are continually improved and expanded, for example:
- Expanding the scope of laboratory tests in order to give better diagnoses and specific treatments;
- Setting up a malnutrition clinic to detect and treat malnutrition in a timely manner;
- Establishing an eye clinic;
- Expanding the dental service for professional oral care;
- In the longer term, developing home care services, creating a hospice and creating awareness for tourists.
Local staff must be well trained and/or be given the opportunity to develop with further education or training. Collaboration with local and international doctors offers our employees and medical students an extra challenge. Students undertaking an internship here can be sure they will receive a unique experience.
Collaboration with the community in Lamin and the Village Development Committee (VDC) are central. We also uphold implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between LHC and the Ministry of Health. Lamin Health Center is and remains a local hospital for and by the Lamin community and beyond. Meet the incredible team.
The baobab was always there...