Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast – (African Boulevard News) – Cote d’Ivoire’s first ambulance boat is now serving residents along the lagoon communities in the small commune of Assine, located 100 kilometers east of the economic capital, Abidjan. The initiative was launched to provide access to emergency care and transport services to the disconnected communities that were previously cut off from such services.
Until now, locals in Assine had to travel to distant clinics on land, often by foot, to receive medical assistance. In most cases, their conditions worsened due to lack of proper healthcare services. However, with the introduction of the ambulance boat, medical personnel can now access patients in remote areas and provide medical assistance en route to the hospital.
The ambulance boat, which was inaugurated in early June, is equipped with basic medical equipment and staffed with trained medical personnel. It is designed to transport patients and medical personnel to clinics and hospitals located along the coast, reducing the time it takes to reach medical facilities during emergencies.
According to the Mayor of Assine, the new ambulance boat has already saved several lives in the community and has provided essential medical care to numerous residents. The mayor also stated that the project was fully funded by the government, as a part of its commitment to improving healthcare services in rural areas.
“The ambulance boat has been a tremendous asset to our community, it has greatly improved access to emergency care, especially in cases of medical emergencies that require urgent attention,” affirmed the Mayor.
Given the success of the initiative, the government plans to expand the ambulance boat services to other remote areas in the country with limited healthcare services.
The introduction of the ambulance boat in Ivory Coast is a significant step in improving access to healthcare services for communities living in remote areas. The initiative will likely reduce the mortality rate and improve the quality of life of residents, thereby contributing to the country’s overall development.
As the country works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, projects such as this will play a crucial role in ensuring that everyone has access to safe and quality healthcare services.
