In a bid to further strengthen The Gambia’s health care delivery system, the Taiwanese government through their Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Richard Shih last Friday presented a cheque for $140,000 to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Mariatou Jallow, at Ceremony held at the RVTH Conference room in Banjul.

The money, according to officials, was meant for the sponsorship of seven Gambian medical doctors, who will soon leave for post graduate studies in Ghana.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Health said that Taiwan has tremendously contributed to development of the Gambian economy.

She noted that they have recently benefited from trained Taiwanese’s doctors serving in the hospital, saying that the health sector appreciated the efforts of the Taiwanese government in all spheres.

Dr. Jallow, however, urged the departing Gambian doctors to work hard and raise the Gambian flag higher, while pursuing their studies in Ghana.

According to her, the hospital is developing and as such, it needs qualified doctors and nurses. She noted that they will continue to support the efforts of the Taiwanese government.

For his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Taiwan, Richard Shih said he has great respect for the Gambian people, adding that Taiwan and The Gambia are close partners in development.

Sponsoring of the seven Gambian medical doctors, he went on, is a clear testimony of the commitment of the government of Taiwan to the People of The Gambia.

Ambassador Shih said that Taiwan will continue to support the efforts of the government and people of The Gambia in all its development aspirations.

The names of the seven Gambian medical doctors that will be leaving for Ghana are Dr. Charles Roberts, Dr Abdoulie Keita, Dr Mustapha Bittaye, Dr Ousman Sanyang, Dr Lamin ES Jatta, Dr. Alagie Manneh, Dr. Abubacarr Jagne.

In a similar but related development, the Taiwanese Ambassador also donated health equipment to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital. The items, presented on behalf of Taichung Hospital in Taiwan, a twin hospital of the RVTH and the International Co-operation Development Fund (ICDF) included defibrillators, cardiac and a portable respirator.