A $16 million water ambulance to serve the community of Barakara along the Canje River in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) was on Monday commissioned by Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence.
The new one-of-a-kind water ambulance for Barakara
“Not only access to health, but timely access to health… and I know that this will fulfil that request in terms of the residents from not only Barakara, but the other communities will benefit from this river ambulance that is equipped with oxygen and all the other things for patients who will be in need of such on their way to the New Amsterdam Hospital,” Minister Lawrence at the commissioning.
She admonished that the new equipment should only be used for the purpose intended.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary within the Public Health Ministry Collette Adams noted that the commissioning of the river ambulance was a significant event for the Ministry.
“This ambulance is unique. I don’t think that there is another one like this in the country so I ask that you care it”.
She said the regional administration will be responsible for providing personnel who are expected to commence training on Wednesday.
In April last, Minister Lawrence handed over a water ambulance to the communities of Siparuta and Orealla, which are situated along the Corentyne River. The fully-equipped boat with all the necessary medical equipment— inclusive of an oxygen tank, heart monitors, stretcher and other equipment— has since played a critical role in providing support in a fast and efficient manner as patients are being transported to the Skeldon Hospital.
