Several hospitals receive ambulances from Health Ministry
In order to further boost the delivery of health care across the country, the Ministry of Health today, presented the keys to seven semi-equipped ambulances to hospitals in Regions Two, Three, Five, Six and Ten. These vehicles were acquired at the cost of $59.5M from Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM).
The brief handing over ceremony was held at the Square of Revolution in the presence of staff of the Ministries of Health, and Local Government, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and other health professionals.
The seven ambulances that were handed over to the various
hospitals
The keys to two of the ambulances were handed over to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GPHC, Michael Khan, while the other five were handed over to Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, under whose responsibility the regional health sector falls.
These ambulances will be sent to the Charity, Leonora, Fort Wellington, Port Mourant and Linden Hospitals.
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran highlighted that the ambulances will enhance the transport facility in the health sector and strengthen the ambulance service in the beneficiary regions. He added that today’s was the first set of ambulances to be distributed among the regions.
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran addressing the gathering
at the handing over of the ambulances as Minister of Local
Government, Norman Whittaker and staff of the Ministry of
Health look on
While the vehicles may not be fully equipped, they will be able to provide services in the meanwhile. Additional money will be invested to provide the equipment that is further needed.
Minister Ramsaran also highlighted that while the ambulances are being provided there is still need for trained personnel. He added that in this light, the Ministry commenced a training programme two years ago for professionals in this area.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Leslie
Cadogan handing over the key to an ambulance to the
Minister of Local Government, Norman Whittaker
He also acknowledged that better training will be provided to the drivers of these vehicles to avoid accidents.
Meanwhile Minister Whittaker added that this was a very good investment in the health sector, and that both Ministries will ensure further training is provided to individuals in this field.
Two weeks ago the Ministry of Local Government donated two ambulances to the Suddie Hospital, Region Two.
Some of the equipment in the ambulance
