As 7 Gambian doctors leave for Taiwan

A team of seven Gambian doctors recently left Banjul for  the Republic of China on Taiwan, for a three-year extensive postgraduate studies in various disciplines in the medical field, at the Taiwanese Tri-Service general Hospital.

According to  officials confirmed, Dr Alagie Manneh and Dr Ousman Sanyang are going for a postgraduate studies in surgery, while Dr Roberts and Dr Lamin E S Jaiteh will be studying internal medicine. Dr Abubacarr Jagne, Dr Mustapha Bitaye and Dr Abdoulie Keita will all be studying obstetrics and gynaecology.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, last Thursday, Dr Mariatou Jallow, chief medical director at RVTH, described the day as historic, and a moment of mixed feelings.  According to her, President Jammeh has pioneered handsome opportunities for young Gambian doctors. She therefore urged them to be serious and to deliver as expected.

Herman Chiu, the Taiwanese deputy ambassador to The Gambia, said the event was a milestone development in the history of the cordial bilateral relationship between The Gambia and the Republic of Taiwan. According to him, achieving higher standards has been a common goal of the two countries.

Mr Chiu warned the seven doctors that they were bound to face new challenges, as they will be operating in a non-English speaking environment, although their studies will be in English.

Dr Mustapha Bitaye, who spoke on behalf of the departing doctors, said: "There is no doubt that we are going to live up to expectation." He thanked President Jammeh and the Taiwanese government for making the trip a possibility. Dr Bitaye then reassured the president and the Taiwanese officials that they were conscious of the resources utilized for them to pursue their studies, promising that the effort will surely bear good fruits.