Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health, officially handed over four fully equipped ambulances to the Regional Health Officer of Region Nine, Dr Cerdel McWatt, significantly strengthening emergency medical services in the hinterland region.
The new ambulances, valued at $18 million each, will be strategically deployed in Annai, Karasabai, Sand Creek, and Yupukari. This distribution is aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities, reducing response times, and expanding access to critical care across remote communities.
During the handover ceremony, Minister Anthony reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the hinterland. “When you asked, we listened—and today, we delivered,” he stated. “This ambulance, valued at $18 million, is here to stay and serve the people of this sub-region.”
The provision of the new units fulfils a promise made by the Minister during a previous visit to the Annai District Hospital. Each unit is outfitted with advanced medical equipment and is specially designed to navigate the challenging terrain and vast distances typical of the hinterland.
The move has been widely welcomed by residents, many of whom recall the difficulties previously faced in accessing care at the Lethem Regional Hospital.
Honourable Dr Frank Anthony, Minister of Health hands the key to one of the ambulances to David Albert from Karasabai Health Centre
The ambulances that were handed over to the health authorities in Region 9