By Tabora Bojang
As part of their corporate social responsibility of “bringing hope where there is despair”, Trust Bank, The Gambia on Tuesday presented items worth D200,000 to Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital. The items include laundry equipment, plumbing materials, plasma TVs and air conditioners.
Speaking at the presentation, Trust Bank managing director, Mr Ibrahima Salla, said the gesture is a continuation of the cordial partnership with Tanka Tanka which started years ago with the strategic objective of complementing government’s efforts of transforming the lives of people with mental health problems.
He said mental illness is one of the most critical health problems which requires prolonged treatment and huge financial commitment from government and the families.
“That is why at Trust Bank we believe that the choice of donating to the Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital which is responsible for providing care and treatment for our brothers and sisters with mental issues is most appropriate.
“We are aware and appreciate that our customers and even we as employees of Trust Bank together with our family members might at some point, directly or indirectly benefit from the health services offered by the hospital and we believe this donation is a great way to give back to our communities,” Sallah added.
He expressed gratitude to the hospital for giving his institution the opportunity to contribute to making a difference in the lives of the vulnerable in the society.
Mr Salla stated that mental health service delivery all over the world and The Gambia in particular is still a far cry from being satisfactory compared to physical health.
He urged the need for “a fundamental shift of a culture that long neglected the mentally ill in our society”, noting that this “neglect must end, if our nation is to live up to its own standards of compassion and dignity and achieve the maximum use of its manpower.”
