Holland-based Gambian donates to Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital

Dodou M.E. Jallow, a Gambian residing in Holland, yesterday donated medical items to the Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital in Brusubi.

The donated items included two stethoscope machines and one blood pressure machine.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Dodou M.E. Jallow said he made the donation on behalf of his institution called GG2 Central Ermelo in Holland.

According to him, his institution also deals with mental health issues and helps fund projects in Holland and beyond. “As a Gambian, I feel delighted and compelled to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country,” he said, while calling on other Gambians in the diaspora to also support projects in the country.

Mr Jallow, who hopes to give more support to Gambians and projects in the country, said the visit and donation to Tanka Tanka would serve as an opportunity for him to know some of the constraints the centre is faced with.

The nurse-in-charge of Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital, Ana Marie Mendy, applauded Dodou Jallow and his institution for the donation, saying Dodou “is a patriotic Gambian who has the country at heart”. The items donated would further enhance their work, she said.

Mrs Mendy says capacity building is a major constraint of the health institution, citing herself as the only trained mental health nurse at the centre.

With more trained nurses at the centre, she avers, the burden on her would be reduced.

She called on other Gambians at home and abroad to come to the aid of the hospital.

Momodou Gassama, Communications Officer of the WHO Country office, who chaired the ceremony, commended the donors for the gesture.