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Basseterre, St. Kitts (PMO) – The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis today, October 27th, commissioned five state-of-the-art, custom-built ambulances, ushering in a new era in national healthcare delivery and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to putting people first through tangible, transformative action. Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, who also serves as Minister of Health, said the commissioning marked the culmination of “months of planning, coordination and perseverance,” describing the fleet as “not ordinary… they have been custom built to meet the unique realities of our country, our narrow roads, our hilly terrain, our remote villages and our vibrant communities that span from the foothills of St. Paul’s to the ridges of Cayon to the flatlands of Basseterre.” Each Ambulance, according to the Prime Minister, is equipped with advanced life-support systems, oxygen resuscitators, patient monitoring devices, suction units, and specialised suspension technology designed for the Federation’s terrain. The ambulances feature compact yet powerful engines, high ground clearance, and agile manoeuvrability, ensuring that emergency responders can reach patients quickly and safely in every corner of the island. Dr Drew emphasized that this major step forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernise healthcare delivery: “This commissioning is a reaffirmation of our belief that healthcare must be accessible, equitable and effective. It is about ensuring that whether you live in the heart of Basseterre or on the farthest stretch of the island, help can and will come swiftly when it is needed most, because every life in this Federation matters.” The EC $1.7 million investment represents the single largest capital expenditure on emergency medical response in the history of St. Kitts and Nevis. This allocation covers the purchase, customization, and outfitting of the fleet, the establishment of a dedicated maintenance partnership with TDC Toyota, and the integration of training and certification programs for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Dr. Drew noted that the investment underscores his administration’s belief that healthcare is a matter of equity and justice, not privilege. “This investment in emergency medical response is a direct expression of our commitment to social justice. It is about equity, and it is about our enduring belief that healthcare is not a privilege but a human right.” The initiative aligns squarely with the Government’s Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) under the pillar of Social Protection and Health, which focuses on strengthening the health system, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring resilience in times of crisis. Dr. Drew used the opportunity to thank the management and staff of the Joseph N. France General Hospital, the nation’s EMTs, and the Ministry of Health team for their patience and partnership. He also expressed gratitude to TDC Group of Companies for their continued support as a responsible corporate citizen, and to the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its broader collaboration in strengthening the Federation’s healthcare system.
