Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew has announced the imminent arrival of five new ambulances, reinforcing his administration’s dedication to modernising the healthcare system in St. Kitts and Nevis. The new fleet, set to arrive by the end of February, will enhance emergency response capabilities and reflect the government’s focus on prioritising the health and well-being of citizens.
The announcement comes in the wake of two recent accidents involving emergency vehicles, which were caused by drivers failing to yield to ambulances. Dr. Drew addressed this issue during the January edition of The Roundtable, urging citizens to respect traffic rules and ensure their own safety and that of emergency responders. “The very life you save might be your own,” he remarked, calling on everyone to protect the critical investments being made in healthcare.
Dr. Drew further contrasted his government’s proactive stance on healthcare with the previous administration, which he criticised for neglecting the acquisition of modern ambulances due to cost concerns. He specifically recalled a parliamentary debate in which former Minister of Health, Wendy Phipps, dismissed the need for new ambulances as “expensive.”
“Our attitude is different,” Dr. Drew stated. “An ambulance is critically important, so we have invested in a new fleet—Toyota brand vehicles designed to meet the specific needs of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The selection of Toyota vehicles was strategic, as the brand’s popularity in the Federation ensures familiarity among mechanics, simplifying maintenance. Dr. Drew also highlighted the ambulances’ sleeker design, which allows better manoeuvrability on the Federation’s narrower roads and alleyways, making them more efficient in accessing patients in challenging locations.
The addition of the new ambulances early in the year demonstrates the government’s commitment to advancing healthcare. This initiative complements several other achievements under the Drew administration, including the ongoing construction of the climate-smart Joseph N. France General Hospital, the introduction of specialist services, and the expansion of advanced medical imaging equipment such as CT scans and MRIs.
Healthcare remains a top priority for the administration, with these investments marking significant strides in creating a resilient, modern healthcare system for St. Kitts and Nevis. As the new ambulances prepare to enter service, citizens are urged to play their part in preserving these essential resources, ensuring that they are always available to save lives.
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