Japan Donates Ambulance to Northern Regional Hospital

Thanks to the People and Government of Japan, the Northern Regional Hospital will receive a new ambulance, increasing the hospital’s emergency response time. This morning, the Embassy of Japan signed a Grassroots Human Security Grant Contract with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. The two hundred thousand Belize dollar grant will see the ministry procure a new ambulance for the NRH. Minister of Health and Wellness Kevin Bernard spoke about the partnership and how it is geared toward saving the lives of more people. 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health and Wellness: “Ambulatory services are always needed and being Northern Regional Hospital being one of our biggest regional hospital in the north and providing services not just for the Orange Walk district residents, but also for surrounding communities Corazal and including Belize district residents who go to Orange Walk Northern Regional for services it has been noted that less than 50 percent of those people who really need that service sometimes can get that service. And so this donation comes in at a very timely manner. While we will get the ambulance in the first quarter of 2025, it will add to the fleet of ambulances that we have at the Northern Regional Hospital. The ministry has invested as well, and so we really thank the embassy, the Japanese government and people for this contribution. And I must commend, like I said in my message earlier in my short talk I gave this morning, is to thank the administrator, the regional manager and their team for putting together this proposal. I know working along with the grassroots for human and social projects is not an easy process. When I was Mayor, I know I had to do that similar type of work when we wanted equipment for the municipality. So it’s a long, tedious, you’re back and forth with making sure you have all the details necessary that they’re requesting. And so to be awarded this grant is significant to show that yes, there is need and there was justification. And so this comes one, not only as a contribution to the ministry or to the government, but it also benefits the people who will need that service.”

The contract was signed between Minister Bernard and Japanese Ambassador to Belize Nobuyuki Shirakata.