Dr Malick Njie, Secretary of State for Health and Social Welfare, yesterday received on behalf of the University of the Gambia (UTG), five hundred cartons of medical books estimated to twenty thousand dollars from the Seven Days Adventist Church headquarters in Maryland, USA, at a presentation ceremony held at the SDA Mission educational centre in New Jeshwang.

Presenting the items on behalf of the SDA Church in the USA, Emmanuel P Smith, Director of the Seven Days Adventist Mission in the Gambia, said the gesture culminated from a request made by President Yahya Jammeh Gambian during a recent visit to the SDA headquarters in the Maryland, USA.

''In response to the President's call, the SDA headquarter did not hesitate to send these items.'' Consequently, he explained that SDA will be sending professional medical doctors from Maryland who will serve as tutors for nurses and physicians in the field of medical surgery and other key areas of the country's health sector,'' Smith said.

Receiving the donated items on behalf of the SoS for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology and the University of the Gambia, Dr Malick Njie, SoS for Health and Social Welfare, applauded the Seven Days Adventist Church in the USA for responding positively to the president's invitation.

SoS Njie recalled that the SDA members in 2007 visited the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital, which, he said have made many pledges to support the health sector.

"They pledged to provide professional doctors to the Gambia, pay their accommodation, provide valuable educational books,'' he said in a satisfactory mood.

SoS Njie also seized the opportunity to commend the SDA church in the USA for such a giant move and assured them that the books will boost the educational programmes of the UTG students, particularly the public health students and the School of Nursing.

For her part, Mariatou Jallow, RVTH Chief Medical Officer commended the leadership of SDA church and urged them to continue the support. She noted that the gesture would go a long way in helping the students as well as the RVTH library.

Ousman Nyang, head of medical department of the UTG, also hailed the efforts of the SDA Church for their keen interest in the development of the country's health sector and assured them that the books will be put into good use.