A ‘gift of life’ has been given to an under developed part of Pakistan, as a visiting dignitary said when he met with staff at East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) to share his appreciation.
The ambulance was donated through Al Ain, a charity which aims to provide better healthcare and education in under developing countries, and will be used to transport people to hospital.
Minister Dr Khalid, Additional Secretary for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province of Pakistan, visited EMAS to accept the donation of an ambulance and talk to staff about how it will be used by the people of his constituency. The vehicle will be used within Sowabi, the KPK province of Pakistan where healthcare is only available to those who can afford it.
Dr Khalid, additional Secretary for the KPK said: “I speak on behalf of my people when I say that this ambulance is gratefully received. It will provide lifesaving free transport to so many people who currently have limited access to any form of health care. The vehicle will help vulnerable people and I can assure you it will save lots of lives.”
Dr Khalid was given the opportunity to sit inside the vehicle and was surprised at “how comfortable” it was. The vehicle has reached its end of life use in accordance to NHS policies which means it can no longer be used by EMAS.
Steve Farnsworth, Head of Fleet said: “It was an honour to meet Dr Khalid and hear about how the vehicle will be so hugely appreciated in Pakistan. The ambulance has spent seven years as an A&E vehicle in Northamptonshire and although we are no longer able to use it to provide NHS services, it is still in a workable condition and will continue to treat people in Pakistan.”
The charity Al-Ain International Trust was established in 2003 with the primary objective of providing free eye care, mainly to those poor people, suffering from treatable blindness and other eye related diseases. More recently, Trustees have extended the objectives to cater for basic Healthcare and Education in under-developing countries.
Chief Executive Muhammad Khan said: “Our charity works close with partners throughout the East Midlands to provide healthcare and education to Pakistan. The generous donation from East Midlands Ambulance Service is gratefully appreciated and this one vehicle will provide medical help to an area similar to the size of Scotland.
