The Community Health Post at 58 Miles Mabura Road was yesterday outfitted with a $11.1M ambulance compliments of the Government’s 2012 capital projects allocation to Region 10.
Regional Executive Officer, Region 10 Youlanda Hilliman handed over the 2008 Land cruiser which was converted into an ambulance, to Regional Health Officer, Dr. Panzy Armstrong at a simple ceremony on the Linden/Georgetown Minibus park.
Among those witnessing the presentation were Regional Chairman Kuice Sharma Solomon, RDC Councillor and head of the Regional Health Committee, Maurice Butters and 58 Miles Mabura Road, Community Health Worker, Juanita Garcia.
It is the first time in the history of the community that it has acquired an ambulance of its own. According to Garcia, prior to the acquisition of the new ambulance, the community depended on assistance from the private ambulance at Mabura and in most instances emergencies had to rough it out to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) in personal vehicles, mini buses, trucks etc. “Most times by the time patients who are serious get out they usually die”, said Garcia.
The ambulance is expected to be of service to other communities including 47 Miles Mabura Road, Mabura and Great Falls. According to Dr. Armstrong, communities of Regions 7, 8 and 9 will also benefit. “Many times these other regions depend on assistance from us because we are that close geographically.” said Dr. Armstrong.
The Ambulance has the capacity to accommodate one patient presently.
