NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A new ambulance was commissioned by the Ministry of Health on Friday to service the North Andros community. The move comes as Minister of Health Dr. Duane Sands said his ministry is pushing to provide better healthcare throughout the islands of The Bahamas.
“Andros burst out the gate and they have started an EMS service. The layout of Andros with all of the creeks and water waves and also the size of Andros makes it very challenging to provide very comprehensive EMS services throughout [the island],” the health minister noted.
This ambulance, according to Member of Parliament for North Andros and the Berry Islands, Carlton Bowleg, is the first on the island in over a decade.
“In 1991 on March 9 I was involved in a traffic accident [ in Andros] so that should tell you. It’s been a long time,” Bowleg said.
“It is very emotional for me also but I am happy because these kids get to see exactly what is going on here and all I can say is Andros, oh my Andros, as we move.”
Sands also told Eyewitness News on Friday that this is just the beginning, not only for the country’s largest island, but for health assistance in other islands as well.
“This is just a start. What we need to be able to do is get health services to the people where needed and when needed.
“That not only includes emergency evacuation but evacuation from Andros, from Exuma, from Eleuthera, [and] from Long Island.”
“We benefit from air evacuation services now but there can be some improvements.”
