The Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan yesterday donated a total of $300, 000 to the Government of the Gambia.
The money, which was handed over to the Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service who also doubles as the Minister for Presidential Affairs, is the second part of the annual US$600,000 health grant being provided to The Gambia by Taiwan.
Speaking at a handing over ceremony held at State House yesterday, Taiwanese Ambassador to the Gambia Samuel Chen said the funds were earmarked for capacity building of health personnel, and to assist the Gambia government recruit Cuban doctors so as to improve the health sector of the country.
“Every year, the Government of Taiwan offers medical funding totaling US$600, 000 to The Gambia; so this is the second part for this year’s funding package,” Ambassador Chen said.
“We know that the health sector is a very important priority for the Government of The Gambia,” he added, assuring all that the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan will continue to do more.
In receiving the gesture from the Taiwanese diplomat on behalf of the Gambia Government, Dr Njogu Bah commended the Taiwanese government for the support it continues to render to the Gambia government.
According to him, the friendship between Banjul and Taipei is not based on cheque-book diplomacy, but based on the value the two countries share and the belief to come together as friends for the common good of the two countries.
“Our partnership is a genuine one which has been demonstrated before,” he said, adding that the funds will be used to support the health sector in the country.
While commending the Taiwanese Government for always being there for the Gambian people, Dr Bah assured the Taiwanese diplomat that the amount presented will be put into good use.
“Under the leadership of President Jammeh, we will continue to work together to strengthen our relationship, cooperation that exist between our two countries and we all believe that it will grow from strength to strength,” he stated.
Also receiving the cheque from the Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, Dr Makie Taal, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare thanked the Taiwanese Government for what he described as a timely gesture.
The gesture, he said, will complement government’s efforts towards the development of the health sector.
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