China Donates Automated Ambulances To Nigeria

           

The Chinese government on Wednesday donated 12 automated ambulances to the Nigerian government.

At the presentation of the ambulances in Abuja, the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiao JIE said that the gesture shows serious commitment of the Peoples Republic of China’s relationship with Nigeria and remains an important gesture in the China-Nigeria bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations.

“In China, we pay a lot of attention to health and that is why we will continue to assist Nigeria in its efforts to strengthen healthcare services in the country,” he said.
The Chinese envoy said the 12 ambulances is a continuation of the contingent plan by the Chinese government during the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to assist Nigeria and fight all forms of epidemics and strengthen healthcare emergency system.

Speaking at the occasion, Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Linus Awute, explained that China's support to Nigeria has been phenomenal, with the Asian country surpassing other countries in the support to Nigeria.
Awute told the gathering that the intervention of the Chinese government during the Ebola pandemic in Nigeria was very instrumental in assisting the country to fight the virus.

Awute further tasked health institutions on the ambulances that were donated, to ensure that they are properly utilised. He cautioned against poor handling of the ambulances, stating that there is need to ensure that drivers have real qualification in handling such ambulances.

The Project Director of the National Centre for Control Disease (NCDC) Prof. Abdusalam Nasidi who received the ambulances on the behalf of other institutions said the support would help fast-track healthcare emergencies in the country.

The beneficiaries of the ambulances include University College, Ibadan, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Kano, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Othman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, the NCDC, Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja and University of Jos Teaching Hospital, Jos.