Eleven new ambulances for Suriname health services

(de Ware Tijd) PARAMARIBO – Within two months, eleven new ambulances will be stationed at clinics of the Regional Health Service (RGD). Some clinics will have an ambulance for the first time, while old ones will be replaced. The RGD has paid US$609,000 for the ambulances out of its own budget and will purchase another seven next year. “We want to provide good healthcare services to the community with them”, RGD PR manager Raymond Ritfeld says. The ambulances have been at RGD headquarters since January, but they still need to be outfitted and painted. Ritfeld says that stripped versions of the vehicles were purchased and other equipment has been purchased separately abroad. “This is cheaper than buying fully equipped ambulances “, the PR manager says. Besides, the vehicles must be equipped and drivers must be trained. Ritfeld says three ambulances will be stationed in Para, namely in Zanderij, Onverwacht and La Vigilantia. For some weeks now, the RGD has had good contacts with Para’s Distirct Council and District Commissioner Jerry Miranda about improving health care. Miranda confirms the proposed improvement to de Ware Tijd.