BY PHESHEYA IAN KUNENE
MBABANE – A gift of new ambulances for the Correctional Services.
The Republic of China (Taiwan) has donated three top-of-the-range ambulances to His Majesty’s Correctional Services worth E5 526 600, as efforts continue to enhance the delivery of healthcare services in the country.
The ambulances were officially handed over to the department by the ambassador for the Republic of China (Taiwan), Jeremy Liang, and received by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs HRH. Prince Simelane and Commissioner General LaMakhosini Phindile Dlamini.
The event was held at the Correctional Staff College in Matsapha today (November 29, Thursday). Also present during the handover ceremony was the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Justice Gugu Nsibande, the HMCS executive command, other senior officers and health care officers.
The three ambulances come with basic life support with a security cage, intermediate life support and security cage as well as advanced life support.
While making remarks during the ceremony, the Commissioner General appreciated the donation and said the emergency vehicles were a much-needed addition to their department.
She also applauded the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the donation. She said the ambulances would go a long way in saving lives and improving the quality of life for inmates and officers by ensuring that qualified healthcare officers and medical team deliver superior services.
“This means they have the ability to accommodate patients even in the most difficult times. The security features will enhance the safety of both officers and inmates whilst the latter are transported to referral hospitals,” Dlamini said.
Speaking during the hand over, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs expressed sincere gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for the generous donation, describing it as a significant contribution towards improving the Health-Care sector within the Correctional Services as the number of offenders continues to rise, thus presenting a challenge towards the health-care system as the department continues to struggle amid the shortage of resources.
(Pics: HMCS)
