{{The Minister of Health Dr. Agnes Binagwaho accompanied by the Governor of the Western Province Celestin Kabahizi and officials from the Ministry of health and districts bordering Lake Kivu, has launched the water ambulance in the Lake Kivu at Karongi District}}.
Until April, 2013, the Lake Kivu did not have any means of transportation for emergency situations such as critically ill patients or prenatal emergencies.
Due to the efforts of the Government of Rwanda through the Ministry of health, the Lake Kivu has their first water ambulance.
The Boat worth Frw300,000,000 with the capacity of transporting 6 patients in emergency situations, it has 3 water ambulance pilots and 2 emergency care nurses.
The ambulance has the speed of 60 km per hour. This mode of transportation will help expedite travel from Iwawa, Bugarura and Nkombe islands in the Lake Kivu for referral to Kibuye, Gisenyi, Kibogora, Kirinda, Mugonero, Gihundwe, district hospitals.
The water ambulance will save thousands of lives and reduce infant and maternal mortality.
The Minister of health said the water ambulance comes in the fulfillment of the promise made by H.E the President of the Republic of Rwanda Paul Kagame. Dr. Binagwaho requested the beneficiaries to rationally use the ambulance.
“This water ambulance will help patients and pregnant mothers as well as victims of water accidents to quickly and timely access health services. “ Said Minister Binagwaho. She added that the transport is free of charge for patients who are subscribed to the Mutuelle de santé (the community health insurance scheme).
Nyiraneza Chantal, a resident in Karongi district said, “ I am happy of this water ambulance as it is a solution for mothers and children who live near the Lake Kivu or in its island as we will access easily health services.”
Ntakuvuganeza Thomas the head of Cyimbili Health Centre in Rutsiro district said that he is very satisfied with this water ambulance as before it was difficult to help pregnant mothers or other critically sick persons who live in islands in the Lake Kivu to be rescued and now they are saved in less than 30 minutes and referred to hospitals bordering the Lake Kivu.
The water ambulance will serve Karongi, Rusizi, Rubavu, Nyamasheke and Rutsiro Districts in the Western Province.
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