ELECTION-TIME MEDICINES: A WELL DUG AFTER THIRST HAS STRUCK

By Joseph Jassey

A headline on the electronic Media caught my attention this morning, to wit, that the Ministry of Health has received a new consignment of medicines and other essential medical supplies procured by the Government of The Gambia as part of its annual procurement programme.

Bingo! How timely. But wait, I said to myself, it’s election time, stupid.

Now let’s pause a minute and call to mind the African adage that when you are thirsty, it is too late to think about digging a well. So why is the Ministry of Health receiving a consignment of medicines at this point in time, considering?

In my humble view, the answer is as straightforward as driving a donkey cart. When the government begins handing out cash, launching projects, or announcing development plans only during election season, it’s like digging a well after thirst has struck. The sudden generosity is not genuine planning but political survival – an attempt to quench the people’s thirst just long enough to secure votes. This posture points to policy instability and reactive governance.

A responsible government must build resilience before crisis in the economy, service delivery, infrastructure, and public trust. Waiting until elections to deliver and receive government largess is not leadership; it’s political firefighting.

So, we submit that a government that only remembers the people when elections approach is one that never cared to dig the well.

A gracious weekend to all Gambians!

The post ELECTION-TIME MEDICINES: A WELL DUG AFTER THIRST HAS STRUCK appeared first on Daily Observer Gambia .