Health Minister Dr Fuad Khan says he will consider setting up a sea ambulance for the people of the southwestern peninsula, in response to reports of pirate attacks and other possible disasters at sea. He made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking to residents during a tour of the Cedros Health Centre.
The minister, who arrived on a Coast Guard boat, said he took only 90 minutes from Port-of-Spain to Cedros. President of the Granville Community Council Shankar Teelucksingh said the peninsula was home to over 55,000 people, many of whom worked in the fishing and coconut industries.
He told Khan access to the peninsula was faster by sea, something Khan witnessed for himself during his trip. "On this basis, we believe there is good justification for having a sea and air ambulance in Cedros. "Too many people have died because they could not get healthcare on time, after suffering mishaps at sea," Teelucksingh said.
He added: "Because of our location, we are prone to mishaps based on weather conditions, attacks on fishermen, shooting incidents from pirates and drug cartels in the Gulf, as well as natural disasters." He noted a sea ambulance would benefit Trinmar and Petrotrin operations.
Khan agreed with residents that there was justification for a sea ambulance to facilitate the peninsula. He added: "I think that makes sense. I am looking at doing it at Carenage and also at Cedros. In case there is a disaster at sea, we will be prepared and ready with sea ambulances.
"We need to prepare for any disaster and because of the distance, this is a good idea." Khan also promised to reduce the waiting time at the Point Fortin Area Hospital by introducing a card system which would fast track any patient who was diagnosed at another medical institution.
He also vowed to provide X-ray, laboratory and pharmaceutical services at the Point Fortin facility on a 24-hour basis for residents, as well as establishing a residential ambulance service in the area.
