Twenty new ambulances equipped with advanced medical technology were distributed to 20 government hospitals Monday under the leadership of Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayathissa.
Each ambulance, valued at over Rs. 25.7 million, was provided under the Health System Enhancement Project with financial support from the Asian Development Bank. The distribution aimed to improve emergency response services and ensure more effective care during patient transport.
The ambulances include features that allow certain treatments to be administered en route to hospitals, according to the ministry.
Hospitals receiving the vehicles include the district general hospitals in Embilipitiya, Nawalapitiya, Matale, Negombo, Trincomalee, Nuwara Eliya, Chilaw, Monaragala, Dambulla, and Horana; teaching hospitals in Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Badulla, and Anuradhapura; and base hospitals in Pottuvil, Kantale, Akkaraipattu, Dehiattakandiya, Ampara, and Sigiriya.
Dr. Jayathissa said the government would continue to provide additional ambulances in phases, based on need, with support from central government funds and international assistance.
Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, and other senior officials attended the handover event. (Newswire)
