San Pedro residents remember that only last week Hon. Manuel Heredia announced on the Reef Radio Good Morning San Pedro Show that the Government of Belize (GOB had received three ambulances from the Government of Dubai (GOD). Well what commenced as a sensational announcement soon watered down a bit when mention was made that they are the small three-wheeled motorcycles like Bowen and Bowen uses to deliver water and ice. The cost of one such cycle is $11, 538.
This week the Government of Belize Press Office announced that the Ministry of Health received 26 health support vehicles that were donated by the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. If Hon. Heredia is true to his word, three of those vehicles are to arrive to the island of Ambergris Caye real soon.
The Ministry of Health hosted an official presentation of the vehicles that was held at the compound of the National Engineering and Maintenance Center Compound in Belize City.
The health support vehicles valued at BZ$300,000 are three-wheeled motorcycles with an attached covered unit equipped with seating and a stretcher to transport patients. The vehicles will NOT be used as a replacement for conventional ambulances but will support the Ministry in the transportation of patients for healthcare services and coordinated assistance with our partners at health promotion events, social events, mobile clinics use and home visits.
The Ministry indicated that the vehicles will be distributed to identified priority regional and community hospitals across the country where there are transportation and logistical challenges; and also to areas that have a more dispersed high risk population group.
On hand at the presentation were Minister of Health, Hon. Pablo Marin, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr. and other health partner officials. The Ministry extends its gratitude to Minister Heredia and the Attorney General and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wilfred Elrington for their support in this initiative.
