Côte d’Ivoire’s ambulance boat revolutionises healthcare access

Women and children face difficulties during health emergencies in these regions. Over the years, lives have been lost due to slow response times.

Before the boat ambulance, locals residing in remote villages in need of medical attention could take between an hour and half or two to reach the city for quality healthcare services. The boat offers its services free of charge to the locals.

During its commission, the mayor Mr. Hippolyte Ebagnitchie said, ‘it’s not a luxury, it was a necessity.’

The ambulance boat has four beds and can carry several doctors including the family of patients. The boat is also equipped with advanced communication systems to coordinate with hospitals, enabling real-time consultations and efficient patient transfers.

The introduction of the ambulance boat is set to have a profound impact on the overall healthcare landscape of Côte d’Ivoire.

It significantly reduces the time it takes to reach medical facilities, enhancing the chances of survival for patients during emergencies. Moreover, the boat will serve as a platform for healthcare professionals to conduct preventative health campaigns, as well as offer vaccinations and general check-ups to villagers.

The Assinie-Mafia mayor Hippolyte Ebagnitchie has expressed his commitment to expanding this initiative and deploying an additional ambulance boat to assist more locals. By doing so, the mayor and the government aim to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their geographical location, has access to quality healthcare services.

The launch of the country’s first ambulance boat marks a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare sector. It demonstrates the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by remote communities.