President Barrow Presents Ambulances to Boost Emergency Response Services

President Adama Barrow presented 20 of 80 ambulances to the Minister of Health Dr Ahmadou Samateh in fulfilment of his government’s Community Ambulance Service initiative, at a ceremony held on Monday at Arch 22 in Banjul.


The Community Ambulance Service is in response to the needs raised by many communities for ambulances during the previous Meet the People Tour. It also forms part of the government’s comprehensive healthcare strategy as indicated in the National Development Plan. The Community Ambulance Service, the first of its kind in the country, will facilitate easy access to hospitals and health facilities. They will be stationed in strategic locations in communities to
serve as rapid response squads to health emergencies.
 

Speaking during the brief presentation ceremony, President Barrow said “if you are elected as President, it is a social contract, to impact the people's lives by listening to them." He thanked the Ministry of Health and the National Assembly for their cooperation in the purchase of the Ambulances. The President highlighted the need to fulfil the people's desire by listening to their concerns and act upon them. "It was a promise we made, today we kept our promise."


The President said it was historical as far as the health sector is concerned, "calling on all Gambians and the people in the communities to support the community ambulance services." President Barrow further expressed his delight in having such a service in the country. He said it will make a big difference in facilitating access to healthcare. "