President Yahya Jammeh on Friday, December 8th, laid the foundation stone for the building of a world class hospital in Bijilo. A US based Korean medical team, led by Dr Lee Byungin was earlier given a piece of land by the President, to construct and run the hospital.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Gambian leader, President Yahya Jammeh, said the hospital if completed will be second to none in the whole of Africa. ”When Dr Lee first told me that he wanted to build a first class hospital, I thought he was joking. But when he came back and said to me that he wanted to lay the foundation stone for the hospital on 3 December, I then believed that I was not the only action-man ----- Dr Lee is another action-man”.

President Jammeh assured Dr Lee and his team that their mission in The Gambia will be a model in Africa. The Gambian leader called on every Gambian to assist Dr Lee in the realization of his project. ”This project is my baby and it will not fail. Let’s all join hands together to make sure that it is a success. If anybody is found wanting you will go to jail” he advised.

Speaking earlier on, Dr Lee said he loves The Gambia and has made it his second home. Dr Lee also thanked President Jammeh for giving him the land at the requested location. The enthusiastic Dr Lee said the first phase of the hospital, comprising 45 offices, will start operation in June 2007.He then added that the construction of the second and third phases, which will include a medical school, will follow .

For his part, Ismaila Sambou, the Secretary of State for Local Government and Lands, said the Korean team is a good friend of The Gambia.

According to him, whenever government takes land from people, it is always in the interest of every Gambian. He also urged Gambians to desist from tribalism.

The Governor of Western Region, Abdou FM Badjie thanked President Jammeh for what he described as aiming well for The Gambian people.
He called on all to rally behind President Jammeh for peace, progress and development. The ceremony was chaired by Sheick Omar Faye, the Secretary of State for Youth, Sports, and Religious Affairs.