David J Barret, a British Independent orthotic consultant, currently on a visit to The Gambia, last Wednesday, donated orthopeadic equipment to the physiotherapy department of the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) in Banjul.

The donated items, worth approximately D120, 000, and include knee clippers/splints, were handed over at a presentation ceremony held at the hospital premises. Handing over the items, Barret expressed happiness in being able to contribute his quota toward the social advancement of The Gambia.

According to him, this being his first visit to the country, he deemed it fitting to present the items to the hospital for the benefit of the community. He pledged continued support in the future.

Baboucarr Ngum, the public relations officer (PRO) of the Royal Victorial Teaching Hospital, described the humanitarian gesture as timely and laudable.
He cited the high cost of the items, noting that at times it is beyond the reach of their patients.

He went on thank the benefactor, David J Barret, on behalf of the secretary of state for Health, board of directors of the hospital, staff and patients, for his effort, noting that availability of the items would contribute immensely in complementing government’s efforts in its quest to bringing quality health delivery services to the door step of every Gambian.

Ngum finally urged the donor to continue supporting, adding that with the increase in number of those in needs of clippers, like diabetes patients, amongst others, ‘I think having more of these will  boost the physiotherapy department, PRO he concluded.

Speaking earlier, David’s Gambian counterpart, Ebou Njie, who facilitated the good will gesture, disclosed that he came to know David through one Sylvana Henriques who is a neighbour to the donor back in United Kingdom. He thanked both of them for complementing government’s efforts to uplifting the standard of living of the Gambian community.