Madam Speaker, I am informed that there are five ambulances which have been put at the disposal of Mahebourg Hospital as follows – • Three ambulances with stretchers, out of which two ambulances are operational on a 24/7 basis and used to convey patients in a lying position. These include dialysis patients, patients requiring immediate transfer to Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital for admission, patients with appointments at the Outpatient Department at Victoria Hospital, SSRN Hospital, Moka Hospital, Jeetoo Hospital, National Cancer Centre, and Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, and discharged patients. • The other one ambulance with a stretcher operates from 8.00 in the morning till 4.00 in the afternoon and is used for conveying lying patients for physiotherapy and dressing. • Moreover, one ambulance with a stretcher is operational on a 24/7 basis at the airport medical post. There is also a 15-seater van which is operational from 8.00 in the morning till 10.00 at night and is used for conveyance of dialysis patients to Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital. I am further informed that Mahebourg Hospital, being a district hospital, receives support from Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital for emergencies requiring SAMU services. There are two SAMU ambulances posted at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, and one is operational on a 24/7 basis, while the other one operates from 8hrs to 16hrs. Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) (ii) of the question, I am informed that out of the five ambulances posted at Mahebourg Hospital, only the one which is on standby at the airport hospital and the 15-seater van are in good condition, while the other ambulances need replacement due to frequent breakdowns. However, all the ambulances are equipped with oxygen cylinders and a first aid box to help in basic emergencies. Moreover, drivers and attendants servicing ambulances have all received training in first aid.

66 Madam Speaker, concerning part (b) of the question, my ministry had prepared a replacement plan for our fleet of vehicles, with priority of consideration being given to the replacement of medical vehicles in the first instance. As such, my ministry will be procuring, in this financial year, 10 medical vehicles, including one SAMU ambulance, five ambulances and four 15-seater vans, which should be distributed among the different health regions for the smooth conveyance of patients.

Thank you. Yes, the hon. Second Member for Belle Rose and Quatre Bornes! ST JEAN ROAD, QUATRE BORNES – FIRE STATION – RELOCATION