National Ambulance Project discussed

Manama, Jan. 31 (BNA): Supreme Council of Health Chairman, Lt- General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa met here today the Interior Minister Lt-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa at the Interior Ministry. They discussed the latest developments regarding the National Ambulance Project, as well as preparations to implement it. The Interior Minister hailed the role of the council to develop the heath system in Bahrain, asserting that the project aims to meet the requirements of the public and develop ambulance services. He said that the project is an important part of the National Disaster Management Plan and for its success there is a need for a good management and qualified manpower. He asserted the importance to seek international expertise and modern medical and emergency technology and get the views of relevant bodies to gradually implement the project. He expressed thanks and appreciation to those handling the project for meeting the implementation deadlines to enhance security and safety among the public. Chief of Public Security, Major-General Tariq Al Hassan highlighted details about the project and its phases, manpower, training and operational plans. He said that a number of ambulances were received and medical equipment was ordered for them, while special uniforms for paramedics and drivers are being prepared. He also highlighted that 10 centres for ambulances that are distributed among governorates and controlled through a control room are ready. As part of the project two ambulances will be allocated for government hospitals and King Fahad Causeway each. This will bring the total centres to 14. Al Hassan said a memorandum of understanding on central ambulance service was signed between Bahrain and France on 8 September 2015, for the French side to provide assistance in training, drafting work procedure guideline and consultation. Training officials at the King Hamad University Hospital were briefed on the draft agreement of medical training for the central ambulance. After that the officials visited the main operation room of the National Ambulance Centre at the Interior Ministry that was equipped with high-tech devices and communication systems to learn about the technical preparations and the communication network to control ambulances through the GPS system that is connected to the vehicles. Supreme Council of Health Chairman expressed thanks and appreciation to the Interior Minister for his dedication to develop joint cooperation, highlighting the importance of coordination between concerned hospitals and continuation of cooperation to achieve targeted goals. The meeting was also attended by Royal Medical Service Commander, Commander of King Hamad University Hospital, Health Ministry Undersecretary and members of the National Ambulance Committee. (Police Media Centre)