VARIOUS medical institutions across the country have long called for improved emergency transportation within the health sector and yesterday the Turkish Government made a donation of two well-equipped ambulances to the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH).Speaking at the handing over ceremony at the MOPH, Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton expressed the Guyana government’s appreciation for the two well-equipped ambulances valued at $25M.
“These ambulances were locally procured and forms part of a project which was approved by the Turkish International Co-operation and Development Agency (TIKA) under the Turkish Cooperation Fund,” said the Public Health Minister.
One of the ambulances, he said, will be stationed at the Skeldon Hospital, Berbice, but the location for the other one is still to be decided.
“I wish to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Turkish government for these ambulances which will no doubt go a long way in improving emergency response,” said Dr. Norton as he assured the officials of TIKA that the ambulances will contribute towards the improvement in the delivery of health care.
He noted that the Ministry welcomes all the support it can get since keeping the nation healthy is not something it can do alone, but requires the support of all relevant stakeholders and assistance from international donors as well.