The Ministry of Health (MOH) has commissioned 25 ambulances aimed at strengthening emergency response and referral services across Liberia.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh
The commissioning ceremony brought together government officials, health authorities, development partners, and lawmakers including health teams from across the country.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Health, Martha C. Morris, underscored the importance of the ambulances in improving healthcare access nationwide.
“The commissioning of these ambulances demonstrates our continued commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services for all Liberians, especially those living in remote communities,” Minister Morris said.
Providing an overview of the initiative, Dr. Teyah Sackie Moore, Acting Chief Medical Officer of the Republic of Liberia, highlighted the importance of vibrant emergency transportation in ensuring timely healthcare delivery.
“Timely transportation of patients is a critical component of an effective health system. These ambulances will help bridge gaps in emergency care and referrals across the country,” Dr. Moore said.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the House Committee on Health, Representative Julie Fatoma Wiah of Lofa County District #2, said the Legislature remains concerned about the country’s health sector, particularly amid reports of Ebola outbreaks in parts of East Africa.
Expressing optimism about the government’s latest investment in healthcare, Representative Wiah stated: “Well, I’m so proud today that we have move one step forward into our health sector because the ambulances bring us closer to our people who are in need for health services.”
She further stressed Liberia’s preparedness efforts against potential disease outbreaks. “Right now we don’t have Ebola but we are prepared just in case there is an Ebola, we are prepared to battle it,” she said.
Meanwhile, Co-Chair of the Senate Health Committee, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, described the commissioning of the ambulances as evidence that the government is working to improve the lives of Liberians.
Addressing concerns about the sustainability and maintenance of the vehicles, Senator Nimely pointed to the country’s poor road infrastructure as a major challenge.
“If the road from Zwedru to Tappita is not good enough that ambulance is going to break down even if it is a new ambulance,” Senator Nimely said.
He also called for increased budgetary support to ensure that healthcare facilities can adequately maintain the ambulances. He added: “From the budgeting bureau, we need to add new money so that when they are servicing the hospital they will service the vehicle.
The deployment of the 25 ambulances is expected to significantly enhance emergency medical transportation and referral services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities across Liberia.
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