“We need clarity from the KMC to tell us the mode of services and maintenance of the ambulance. If it’s a joint service ambulance, who is going to provide the services and fuel [for the ambulance] among other things?” chairman Jallow inquired.
“Nonetheless, even without the document from the KMC to clear the mode of services of the ambulance, we are going to facilitate a good relationship between Ndemban Clinic and the Bakau Health Centre.”
He added that the document would help them to know the technical basic operation.
However, he said, the ambulance was a kind gesture and it came in as a result of the struggles of referral of patients to the main hospitals.
Meanwhile, the chairman said that they as leaders provide other medical assistance such as detergents and immediate drugs that are required by the health centre. “We contribute money and assist them,” he added.
He said further that Bakau is a huge community considering also the people residing there. “We felt that the health centre should really be considered,” he appealed. “The location is one disadvantage and the health centre must have ambulances.”
Added the community chairman: “Bakau Community Centre is non-political as a result we do not involve in any politics as far as we are serving the welfare of the community, to participate in all developmental activities of the community.”
Meanwhile, Buba Demba, operations officer at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, expressed appreciation, saying the donation of the ambulance was “timely because it came at a time the hospital is struggling to meet the demand for ambulance services” for patients.
“Since Ndemban Clinic is a satellite institution of the main clinic, we always require patients moving from Bakau to the main hospital as Ndemban is the immediacy unit for the hospital, which requires an ambulance operating 24/7,” Mr Demba said.
Barekessu Betts from the Bakau Health Centre also thanked the community for their efforts in making sure the health centre got an ambulance.
