8 February, 2010 - Ten ambulances, each costing Nu 3 million, were handed over to representatives of hospitals and basic health units (BHUs) in the country on February 6 in Phuentsholing.
The ambulances, aimed at efficient delivery of healthcare services by saving lives of patients through improved and enhanced ambulatory services, were handed over by the health minister, Lyonpo Zangley Dukpa.
The ambulances were given to referral and BHUs of Samdrupjongkhar, Haa, Panbang, Zhemgang, Gelephu, Tshimalakha, Trongsa, Riserboo, Mongar and Thimphu.
“By now all hospitals have a minimum of two ambulances each,” said the health minister, addressing a gathering of health and dzongkhag officials. “These ambulances are meant for the patients and not to be misused. Utility vehicles, wherever necessary, will be provided,” he said.
According to the health ministry, there are 78 ambulances in the country today. Since the last two years, 32 ambulances were bought and distributed to 29 hospitals and BHUs, including the ones received from the government of India last month.
The ministry is also expecting another 20 by the end of this year from Japan and four more from various other agencies.
By June this year, Bhutan will also be having its first advanced ambulatory services, a mobile mini hospital, said health officials. Emergency medical services (EMS) to provide pre-hospital care, so that there’s no delay in the patient’s management, will be created, according to health officials.
Lyonpo Zangley Dukpa said that a public-private partnership (PPP) project is midway, which will focus on EMS, while general health care service, including public health education, will be provided through a number of toll free telephone calls to be managed and operated by a private company.
Meanwhile, a fully life saving equipped ambulance in which minor surgeries will be carried out, bought with the contribution made by an American family through the Bhutan Foundation based in the United States, has arrived at Phuentsholing.
Source: kuenselonline.com |
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