Transport Ministry Commissions Ambulance and Medical Equipment for Lungi Airport
Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Conference Hall, Freetown International Airport, Lungi 25th May, 2022.The Transport Advisor of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation has commissioned one used Ambulance vehicle and other medical equipment for the Health Clinic of Freetown International Airport, Lungi donated by the Japanese Embassy to Sierra Leone.
Giving an overview of the project, The Project Lead, Dr. Alusine Yilla who doubles as the Head of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority Health Clinic in Lungi Airport said that the project for the procurement of used ambulance vehicle and other medical equipment for the health clinic of the Freetown International Airport is a grant of 53,645 USD by the Japanese Embassy through the Catholic Agency for Oversees Development (CAFOD).
Explaining the background of the project, he said that due to lack of medical equipment, the clinic had not been able to fully respond to needs of community residents and airport users, adding that because there were not enough medical beds, patients were often transferred to other clinics and hospital to receive basic medical care.
He stressed that because there was no ambulance owned by the Health Clinic, and patients were moving to other medical facility by regular vehicles, which adds physical burden.
He emphasized that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, health related concerns at the airport increased, and it was necessary for the clinic to be better equipped in order to sufficiently operate.
Dr. Alusine Yilla said that with the intervention of the Japanese Embassy through the Catholic Agency for Oversees Development (CAFOD), the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority Health Clinic was able to secure a grant for the procurement of 1 used ambulance vehicle and other medical equipment among others such as 5 used medical bed, 1 thermo camera,5 wheelchairs 5 Non-contact thermometer and infection prevention and control materials masks and gowns.
He thanked the Deputy Head of Mission and Consular of the Japanese Embassy to Sierra Leone, Mr. Mitori Naoki for the humanitarian assistance given to the Government and People of Sierra Leone in ensuring a safe and better service delivery of the Lungi Airport Health Clinic.
In his statement, on behalf of the Honorable Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabine Kallon, the Transport Advisor of the Ministry, Dr. Adams Stevens expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the government of Japan for the donation, and several others that would come.
He said that the Republic of Sierra Leone and Japan have enjoyed excellent relations since the independence six decades ago, adding that over the last three decades in particular, Japan has contributed immensely to the socioeconomic and infrastructural development of the country.
“Japan has supported UN lead initiatives, such as: The school feeding program, Rural development; Electricity generation; Human capital development; and small holder farmers” Dr.Stevens noted.
He maintained that the medicines and needed medical supplies received from Japan during the Ebola outbreak helped Sierra Leone conquer the disease, he added that the 8,000 vaccines received from Japan for Covid 19 has helped in the global fight against the viral disease.
He said that witnessing yet another humanitarian gesture in health and sanitation for one of the key entry points into Sierra Leone, assuring that, the good gesture would go a very long way in making air transportation into and out of the country safer, healthier and people would have more resilient to ailment.
The Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan accredited to Sierra Leone, Mitori Naoki, in his remark, said that Japan has been implementing projects through the GGHSP scheme focusing on promoting the concept of human security aimed at building a world where everyone can live in dignity, through the protection and empowerment of individuals.
"When we received this request from the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority to support the Airport Health Clinic, we wasted no time to respond, as we know the importance of strengthening the various points of entry into a country" Mitori Naiki noted.
He assured Japan's commitment in supporting Sierra Leone to achieve its developmental targets.