Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong, last Friday received 10 Italian manufactured Ferno Stretchers as part of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) donation.

The stretchers are part of the donated ambulances that were given to the ministry more than three months ago.

Dr Fong said cost of the 10 stretchers which arrived into the country a few days ago amounts to 169,900.00 Fijian Dollars.

He said KOICA has also funded the local refurbishment of 10 Hyundai H1 vehicles into medical emergency retrieval vehicles or ambulances.

He said the total cost of procuring vehicles and renovation works amounted to more than $1.07 million.

“In doing so, KOICA has established a means by which we can engage with a local automotive mechanical works provider and such services come with local back up,” Dr Fong said.

“Thank you, KOICA, for giving us a formula to access refurbishment of locally available vehicles.”

Dr Fong said not only have the ministry gained ambulances but they also have a local option with ongoing maintenance of ambulance fleet capability.

He said the stretchers have many features such as hydraulic capability that makes patient transfer easier and less load bearing on those handling the stretcher.

“It has a lightweight design and a weight bearing capacity of 250kg,” Dr Fong.

Story by: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj