Boat Ambulance worth USD 500.000 launched on Lake Kivu

Karongi-August 16, 2013. A boat Ambulance worth USD 500.000(approx. 300.000.000Frw) was officially inaugurated on Lake Kivu, Karongi district. The ambulance will ease access to health facilities especially during emergency situations, saving thousands of lives and reducing infant and maternal mortality.

According to the Minister of Health Dr. Agnes Binagwaho, the ambulance is a fulfillment of a promise by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame.

“This ambulance will help patients and pregnant mothers as well as accident victims to quickly and timely access health care services,” said Dr Binagwaho, adding that patients covered by Mutuelle de santé (the Community Health Insurance Scheme) will not pay transport costs for the ambulance. “It is free of charge for patients covered by Mutuelle de santé,” she clarified.

It will link and ease access to health facilities from Iwawa, Bugarura and Nkombe islands on Lake Kivu to Kibuye, Gisenyi, Kibogora, Kirinda, Mugonero, Gihundwe, district and Gisenyi district hospitals in the Western Province. It has a capacity of transporting 7 patients in emergency situations, has 3 pilots and 2 nurses trained to handle emergency situations.

“I am happy. The ambulance will ease access to health facilities especially for mothers and children that usually need urgent means of transport when in critical conditions,” said Chantal Nyiraneza, a resident of Karongi district.

According to Thomas Ntakuvuganeza the head of Cyimbili Health Centre in Rutsiro district, in less than 30 minutes patients in critical conditions can be taken to nearby district hospitals.

Source :MINISANTE