Airbus and Benz to provide free air/land ambulance service

19 May 2017 01:50 am - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne said yesterday two world-renowned German companies, the Airbus and Benz have pledged to invest in an air and land ambulance service which would include 24 helicopters.

The ministry said the assurance was given to the minister during discussion with representatives of the two companies and officials of the German Government during his visit to that country. "The free ambulance package includes 24, helicopters, 1,050 ambulances and 240 breakdown vehicles. The Benz Company will invest in the ambulances and breakdown vehicles while 24 helicopters will be provided by the Air Bus Company," it said in a statement.

The investment for this huge social welfare service programme will come through a soft loan from the two companies after the minister explained the necessity for free ambulance service similar to that provided by India. Germany has undertaken to train the Sri Lankan staff and crew to operate the air and land ambulance service.

The Indian funded ‘Pre-Hospital Care Emergency Ambulance Service’ which was a gift by Premier Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka was launched in July last year with 88 Indian-manufactured ambulances.

At a public rally at the Norwood Grounds in Dikoya recently Prime Minister Modi assured he would expand the free ambulance service to cover the nine provinces. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

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Comments - 12

mm Friday, 19 May 2017 06:17 AM

building castles in the air via DM iOS App

chaminda Friday, 19 May 2017 06:50 AM

පච!

C.K.Lankaputhra. Friday, 19 May 2017 06:50 AM

' Oh god! ' Health minister is endangering the lives of innocent patients lives by making them to fly by helicopters. Good point, GMOA launch an Island wide strike today itself.

Lord Wolfstein Friday, 19 May 2017 07:34 AM

This is an absolutely honorable offer by the German government and German companies. Do not jeopardize this chance through bureaucratic hurdles and corruption.

LP Friday, 19 May 2017 07:57 AM

Very good move.As a experience person who used air ambulance to fly S'pore Mount Elizabeth can give better service to to beloved SL voters.

ceylon Friday, 19 May 2017 08:48 AM

these are the true friends of people. via DM Android App

mohamed Friday, 19 May 2017 09:28 AM

Its a good project if its work well as per our guide-line and sri lankan should think we are lucky to get this expertise and learn. I doubt with our lethagic workforce. they even try wear tie inside the ambulance

JAN Friday, 19 May 2017 09:42 AM

How much you have earned from as Fisheries Minister during MR period via DM Android App

Rondy Friday, 19 May 2017 10:02 AM

Great news if it happens. But I can sense that another GMOA strike is in the offing on this.

Saman Friday, 19 May 2017 10:55 AM

I want to believe.

Nelum Fernando Friday, 19 May 2017 11:14 AM

Meya Kiwwoth boruwak, Gahuwoth pachayak.!

Bala Friday, 19 May 2017 04:01 PM

Yes GOMA objected to free indian ambulances also but thatservice now doing wonderful job. Goma against progress - they want only money for themselves.

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Airbus and Benz to provide free air/land ambulance service

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