The first phase of the US $ 1.05 billion ambulance service is set to go operational shortly, 
with the country’s Health Ministry starting interviews for drivers and paramedics yesterday.

Under a grant provided by the Indian government, the Health Ministry purchased 88 brand-new ambulances last year. “In the first phase, we will be creating 600 jobs for Sri Lankans. Some people may say that Indians will be driving the ambulances or treating our people, but today, we will begin the first interviews, and all will be locals,” Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva said.
A majority of the applicants seen yesterday were from Dr. de Silva’s electorate in Kotte. However, he said that individuals from all across the country would be employed in the project.

“This is the first time that we have the ability to provide emergency care for all of our citizens, from Jaffna down to Matara,” Dr. de Silva added. He noted that the service would be provided free of charge, keeping with the free healthcare policy of the government.

The world’s largest ambulance operator – Falck – exited Sri Lanka last year, as it would not be able to compete with the free service.

“But I believe before long, the citizens should become aware of, and will become aware of how much this cost to operate. 

Before long, we hope the citizens and insurance companies would help improve and expand the service,” Dr. de Silva said.

He added that the first stage would see operations taking place in the Western and Southern Provinces and the second stage, which would involve around 200-300 additional ambulances, would cater to the rest of the country.

“We’re already in diplomatic discussions with India on how to fund this,” he said.

Health Services Director General Dr. P.G. Mahipala said that there were already over 1,000 ambulances operating in Sri Lanka, but not for emergency purposes.

“Currently there are over 1,000 ambulances to transport patients between hospitals. But this new service is to bring patients from home, or from the roadside. Last year, there were over 2,488 dead and over 6,000 injured in accidents,” he noted.

He said that the new service would minimize the risk, by bringing trauma patients as well as those suffering from non-communicable diseases to the hospital immediately, instead of families having to find a private vehicle and transport the patient slowly in congested roads.

“Our health sector is world-class, with many Sri Lankan doctors working as specialists in leading hospitals worldwide. The break in our healthcare chain is the golden 30 minutes when the patient must be transported to hospital and be given treatment. So, today is a lucky day,” Dr. de Silva added.
The grant was a gift by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his visit to Sri Lanka last year.
(CW)