A fully equipped ambulance is now in service at the Portland Infirmary, enhancing the institution’s ability to respond to emergencies.

The vehicle, donated by the Culture, Health, Arts, Sports and Education (CHASE) Fund, was handed over on May 21. It is the third ambulance CHASE has donated to an infirmary.

Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie said the donation will significantly enhance the infirmary’s ability to care for its residents.

He indicated that the ministry is currently procuring three additional ambulances, adding that “when we have completed the circle, every infirmary in Jamaica will have an ambulance at its disposal”.

McKenzie commended the leadership of the Portland infirmary and, by extension, the Portland Municipal Corporation for their role in the parish’s transformation and the “social revolution” being driven by improved care for the poor, homeless and infirm residents.

For his part, CHASE Fund chief executive Wilford ‘Billy’ Heaven, said the donation of the ambulance reflects the entity’s shared commitment to ensuring that quality care is accessible, responsive and compassionate.

“We expect that this ambulance will improve the response time to medical emergencies and enable timely transfers to hospitals and elsewhere,” the CEO said. He urged the infirmary’s staff to ensure the vehicle is used solely for its intended purpose.

“It’s not a general-purpose vehicle. While we are sympathetic to you wanting some lunch down the road or a little transportation home because it is late – we do not expect that this ambulance will be used for that purpose. It is purpose-specific and must be used that way,” Heaven emphasised.

He pointed out that CHASE has been actively supporting the Local Government Ministry through various projects at infirmaries islandwide, as well as through equipment and infrastructure upgrades.

Member of Parliament for Portland Eastern, Ann-Marie Vaz, welcomed the ambulance donation.

“This ambulance has been well needed. We now have a fully equipped ambulance to ensure that there is no time wasted between the illness and the treatment. This is… more evidence of the care this Government gives to the less fortunate,” Vaz said.