Dr Patrick Chang, Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, on Saturday together with some senior officials of the Standard Chartered Bank, inspected the newly constructed Paediatric Hospital in Kanilai Village, Western Region.

The US$250,000 giant building was co-sponsored by the Taiwanese Embassy and the Standard Chartered Bank and it’s expected to house over 60 patients and hospital staff.

Speaking to this reporter shortly after touring the facility, Ambassador Chang expressed satisfaction, saying the hospital has been sponsored by his Embassy and Standard Chartered Bank. “On the construction work, my Embassy provided US$100,000, while the Standard Chartered Bank provided US$150,000. But we added US$150,000 for the furnishing, beds and other equipment. We look forward to collaborate with the SCB in future for more projects,” he said.

Ambassador Chang also expressed gratitude to DoSH, Social Welfare and the Standard Chartered Bank. He reminded the gathering of President Jammeh’s commitment to quality health care services for everyone in The Gambia. He said a lot of childrens in the region will benefit from the hospital. Ambassador Chang added that his Embassy provided another US$15,000 for the purchase of locally made beds, and wardrobes for the hospital Staff.

For her part, Dr Mariatou Jallow, Director of Health Services, who deputised for SoS for Health, commended the efforts of the Taiwanese Embassy and the Standard Chatered Bank and described the facility as the best in the region.

She added that the hospital will not only house children, but also adults, should there be any emergency. She said that DoSH has already indentified nurses for the hospital, including SRN, SEN, as well as auxilliary staff.

Bernade Mendy, Head of Executive Director for Standard Chartered Bank said, his bank does not limit their activities only on health but also engages in other projects like community partnership projects, youths empowerment and education for youth, among others. He added that Standard Chartered Bank has provided an equivalent of five million Dalasis for the facility.

The visit also witnessed the formal handing over of hospital equipment to Dr Mariatou Jallow, ahead of the formal opening of the hospital. Present during the visit were Francis Mboge, a Consultant and other dignitaries.