The new minister of Health and Social Welfare accompanied by the senior management team of his Ministry Wednesday visited the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH). Minister Bala Garba Jahumpa and delegation were received upon arrival at the RVTH by its chief medical director, Dr Ousman Nyan, and the management of the hospital.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Observer shortly after the eight-hour tour of RVTH facilities, MinisterJahumpa thanked President Jammeh for the good vision he has for the country's health sector. He said that during the tour, he saw medical items which were given to the hospital by the Gambian leader. He also stressed the fact that most of the highly advanced equipment needed for a hospital are in the RVTH.

The Health minister also revealed that 20 nurses received training in Spain in 2011, with the government of The Gambia responsible for their accommodation and other logistics. He revealed that plans are underway to conduct a similar training for nurses in The Gambia. He also stressed the need for a trained biomedical technician for the RVTH.

Minister Garba Jahumpa also thanked the management of the hospital for their good work, pointing out that working in the health sector is a humanitarian gesture.

For his part, Dr Ousman Nyan said the RVTH is the final referral centre in the country and needs all the support it could get as a teaching hospital. He further stated that the Health minister's visit will avail them the opportunity to inform him about their achievements and constraints.

Among the facilities visited during the minister's tour were the Intensive Care Ward (ICU), the Maternity Ward, the Post Natal, Paediatrics, X-ray/scanning, Main Theatre, Gynae Clinic, Lab, Pharmacy, Departmentof Medical Microbiology, Department of Haematology, National Blood Transfusion Services, Accident and Emergency Unit, Records, Nawec Ward, Maintenance, Kitchen/ Laundry/ Tailoring, and Security Unit among others.