Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony yesterday morning commissioned and handed over a new water ambulance to the Region Six communities of Orealla/Siparuta valued at $14.5m.
This watercraft was procured following the fire that gutted the community’s water ambulance in March of this year on the Corentyne River.
At the commissioning ceremony, Dr Anthony disclosed that additional funds were used to customise the ambulance to cater for the health needs of the population. This watercraft will enhance the capacity to transport critical patients from remote communities to the Skeldon Regional Hospital for specialised care and treatment, a release from the Ministry of Health said.
Also at the handing over ceremony were Dr Vishwa Mahadeo, Director General of the Ministry of Health; Dr Vishalya Sharma, Regional Health Officer of Region Six; Regional Executive Officer, Narendra Persaud and the Deputy Toshao of Orealla and Siparuta.
On March 11, the water ambulance which operated on the Orealla/Siparuta route caught fire while returning to the area resulting in the captain and eight occupants having to jump overboard to safety.
According to information gathered, the ambulance was sailing south in the Corentyne River heading towards Orealla Village in the vicinity of Francis Wharf, when the captain noticed sparks emanating from the water pump area which is located at the stern of the water taxi – close to the gas tank.
In a matter of seconds, a big fire erupted which resulted in the captain sounding an alarm to the occupants who then jumped into the river as the fire quickly spread throughout the ambulance which was eventually submerged in the river.
The captain of the ambulance and its occupants were rescued by persons who were passing in a boat and taken to the Skeldon Public Hospital.
