‘1990 Suwasariya’ Ambulance Service celebrates first anniversary

Monday, 31 July 2017 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A year has passed since the first ‘1990 Suwasariya’ Ambulance rolled out of Galle Face Green for duty. This service is the brainchild of Deputy Minister Dr. Harsha De Silva, MP who with the blessings of the President, and the Prime Minister successfully requested the Government of India to provide a grant for implementation of Phase I of the service with 88 ambulances in Western and Southern provinces. 1990 Suwasariya Ambulance Service is Sri Lanka’s pioneering pre-hospital care emergency response ambulance service. For every 100,000 people, one ambulance has been assigned and stationed in key locations. This service has been a blessing for people of Sri Lanka. It has been a privilege for GVK EMRI LANKA, the organisation formed to provide this service to serve and save lives, 24X7. GVK EMRI Lanka operates this service through a Public Private Partnership with the Ministry of Health. It successfully overcame all the teething problems especially considering that this is a pioneering project, through dedication and commitment.

The free ambulance service is currently operating in the Western, and Southern Provinces. During the first year, the Controlled Centre has received over 322,000 calls and has served over 32,000 cases, out of which, cardio, trauma, and stroke have been the major cases. It is also a pleasure to note that nine childbirths have taken place inside the ambulances during this first year of service.

The operation is a 24 hour, seven days a week, round the clock service, which is a challenging task to manage. Currently 550 employees with guidance of the management are carrying out yeoman service saving as many lives as possible.

Phase II extending the service islandwide will commence soon. It will create almost 2,000 more jobs in order to operate over 300 ambulances.

The tireless work carried out by all the ‘1990’ staff is greatly appreciated by the management as well as the general public. It was heartening to see the selfless commitment by the staff especially during crisis situations such as the recent floods in the Southern Province, the collapse of the garbage dump in Colombo, as well as many more lifesaving situations. Special appreciation has to be extended to all supporting parties such as the Police, and various authorities who have given assistance in making this project a success.

Their ultimate goal is to provide this service to all Sri Lankans as soon as possible, which will enable them to do as their motto states: ‘Partnering for Saving Lives’.