And there was another donation this afternoon. The Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Southern Regional Hospital received a donation of 2 brand new ambulances.
These Toyota 2020 Hiace Ambulances were acquired through a grant from the Japanese Government for a little under 400 thousand Belize dollars. The purpose of this donation is to improve the Southern Regional Hospital's emergency response and rapid transportation of patients in medical distress.
Here's what the Health Minister and the Japanese Ambassador had to say at the event:
Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health and Wellness
"This afternoon we are gathered to support the improvement of emergency response and transportation at the Southern Regional Hospital. On March 11, 2021 an agreement was signed between the Japanese government grassroots and human security project and the Ministry of Health and Wellness Southern Health Region. Today, his excellency will hand over 2 Toyota Hiace 2020 ambulances to the southern regional hospital that were procured through a grant of $398,500 Belize dollars. The government and the ministry of health and wellness extend our profound appreciation for the support of these ambulances that has been made possible through the government of Japan. I would like to applaud the efforts of the southern regional management team as they endeavor to contribute to the national vision of the Ministry of Health and Wellness through quality healthcare and emergency response. The management team has been communicating with the embassy of Japan since 2018 when the first project proposal was submitted. The Covid19 pandemic brought along many challenges, but that did not stop the progress of this project. I would like to personally thank all who formed part of the initiative and the successful completion of this project agreement."
Discussions for this donation began back in 2018.
