Sames Secretary General: Doctor’s New Challenges

Doctor Diabel Dramé Elected Sames Secretary General Amidst Health System Concerns

A new era for healthcare advocacy in Senegal has begun with the unanimous election of Doctor Diabel Dramé as National Secretary General of the Autonomous Union of Doctors,Pharmacists and Dentists of Senegal (Sames) on Saturday,December 20,2025. The appointment, lauded as the result of extensive collaboration, comes at a critical juncture as the nation grapples with challenges to its pharmaceutical regulatory agency and broader health infrastructure.

The election of Dr. Dramé signals a commitment to strengthening Senegal’s health system, a goal he emphasized in his initial remarks. “I express a feeling of satisfaction with what happened today. Humbly, I was raised to a certain level by my comrades,” he stated, acknowledging the trust placed in him by union members. He underscored the peaceful nature of the electoral process, attributing it to prior consultation and a spirit of teamwork.

Did you know? – Senegal’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers. public healthcare is subsidized by the government, but access can be limited, particularly in rural areas.

Prioritizing Healthcare Infrastructure and Workforce

Dr. Dramé views his new role as a continuation of the core mission of healthcare professionals: public service. “All we do is promote the health of the population,” he affirmed, stressing the necessity of adequate resources to achieve this objective. He outlined three key pillars for enhancement: a sufficient and qualified healthcare workforce, appropriate medical equipment, and functional health infrastructures.

The new Sames leadership intends to initiate an inclusive dialog with government authorities, aiming to secure improved working conditions for healthcare professionals and, consequently, enhance the quality of care available to the Senegalese population. This collaborative approach is seen as vital to addressing systemic issues and fostering a more robust healthcare system.

Pro tip – Effective healthcare advocacy often involves building strong relationships with government officials and stakeholders. Open communication is key to achieving policy changes.

Concerns Raised Over Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency Crisis

Dr. Dramé did not hesitate to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (Arp), characterizing the situation as “inconceivable and regrettable.” He warned that the crisis severely damages the credibility of an agency responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.

According to Dr. Dramé, the current issues at the Arp are not isolated incidents. “For more than two months, we have alerted the authorities through letters about unorthodox practices observed within the agency, but our questions have gone unanswered,” he lamented, suggesting the recent controversy represents “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Call for Independent Inquiry

In light of the gravity of the accusations,Dr. Dramé is advocating for a extensive and independent investigation into the Arp‘s operations. He welcomed the proclamation of an external audit by the relevant authorities, viewing it as a crucial step toward establishing accountability.

“The credibility of the Arp is today tainted. However, this is not good for a country which has such a structure, envied by many states in the sub-region,” he cautioned. He emphasized the importance of restoring public trust in the agency to safeguard public health.

Reader question – What role do you think international organizations could play in supporting Senegal’s pharmaceutical regulatory agency during this crisis? Share your thoughts!

With this new mandate, Sames intends to operate as a proactive and vigilant union, defending the rights of practitioners while together ensuring the health security of the population.This presents a critically important challenge for doctor