A Nigerian Technical Assistant team attached to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) ended a two-year tour of duty in the country.

In appreciation of their efforts towards contributing to the improvement of the country's health sector, a farewell ceremony was held at the RVTH, on Friday, for the departing TAC volunteers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Baboucarr Ngum, the public relations officer (PRO) of RVTH, recalled that the 18 Nigerian TAC served the hospital from 2007-2009. He said during this period, the young men and women gave out all they had, as they were dedicated and committed to their service, which earned them respect from doctors, nurses and the community. The RVTH PRO noted that 126 Nigerian volunteers have now served the hospital from 1985-2009, adding that they have contributed immensely towards the transformation of Royal Victoria Hospital into a Teaching Hospital, hence RVTH.

For his part, Salieu Nyassy, who  deputised  the director general of the  Presidential Treatment Programme and Chief Medical Director of RVTH, Dr Tamsir Mbowe, expressed gratitude and appreciation to the team of Nigerian doctors and nurses who he noted served the country with honour, dedication, commitment and love. He described them as real doctors and nurses whose primary aim is to render effective and quality medical services. He therefore wished them a safe journey back to their mother land, Nigeria.

Tumani Jammeh, the deputy chief matron of RVTH, equally congratulated his departing colleagues for their kind service. He noted that the volunteers had actually enjoyed their stay in The Gambia and hope they will be back home with the good name of the country.  He said the 18-man team has contributed tremendously towards improving the standard of  RVTH, and he too wished them a  safe journey as they journeyed home to Nigeria.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Emmanuel Adesina Olukomi, on behalf of the TAC volunteers, thanked the Gambian people, particularly the RVTH administration, noting that they are satisfied with their generosity. The departing volunteers were awarded certificates of merit for their service towards humanity.