Bicycle Ambulances Mean Accessibility To Healthcare

THE letter of Mulife Muchali of Vancouver, Canada, that appeared on Friday, October 5 2007 has reference.

Bank Windhoek, like many other leading organisations in Namibia, is actively involved in communities within which it operates through Social Investment, donations and sponsorships. One of the key focus areas of Bank Windhoek’s Social Investment Fund is Health.Bank Windhoek recently donated ten bicycle ambulances to the Bicycle Empowerment Network Namibia (BEN Namibia).These bicycles, valued at N$34 500, will be distributed to remote villages in the Caprivi Region by this non-profitable organisation to improve access to healthcare services in this region, specifically for emergency medical transportation.The project is also supported by Design For Development (Canada), the Canadian Rotary Clubs of Vancouver Chinatown, Rotary Moody Bay and Rotary Windhoek.Bank Windhoek decided to support BEN Namibia as they found an innovative way to empower disadvantaged Namibians through the provision of sustainable transport to medical centres.This improves access to much-needed healthcare services, which is not always accessible for traditional ambulances.BEN Namibia spent years developing different prototype ambulances and tested them in various conditions such as sand, mud and rain.The ambulances were then tested by a number of Home Based Care Volunteers in the village of Okau.Bank Windhoek understands the challenges that the communities of the Caprivi Region face, one of which is transportation to clinics and hospitals.By supporting this project we aim to contribute to improve the accessibility of healthcare services.The Ministry of Health and Social Services will play a vital role in ensuring that the bicycle ambulances are placed at chronically affected areas to allow safe and fast access to medical support centres.The bicycle ambulance operators will be trained to transport the passengers safely to the nearest medical centre.Bank Windhoek, being a responsible corporate citizen, understands the importance of having access to healthcare and therefore strives to add value towards the development thereof.We are therefore proud of our association with BEN Namibia.They are not only involved in the development of the bicycle ambulances, but also imports donated second-hand bikes, parts and accessories from overseas charities and refurbish them by employing and training local people in bike mechanics.It is then distributed to community-based organisations.Bank Windhoek will continue to explore other opportunities in improving health care services.Marlize Horn, Bank WindhoekOne of the key focus areas of Bank Windhoek’s Social Investment Fund is Health.Bank Windhoek recently donated ten bicycle ambulances to the Bicycle Empowerment Network Namibia (BEN Namibia).These bicycles, valued at N$34 500, will be distributed to remote villages in the Caprivi Region by this non-profitable organisation to improve access to healthcare services in this region, specifically for emergency medical transportation.The project is also supported by Design For Development (Canada), the Canadian Rotary Clubs of Vancouver Chinatown, Rotary Moody Bay and Rotary Windhoek.Bank Windhoek decided to support BEN Namibia as they found an innovative way to empower disadvantaged Namibians through the provision of sustainable transport to medical centres.This improves access to much-needed healthcare services, which is not always accessible for traditional ambulances.BEN Namibia spent years developing different prototype ambulances and tested them in various conditions such as sand, mud and rain.The ambulances were then tested by a number of Home Based Care Volunteers in the village of Okau.Bank Windhoek understands the challenges that the communities of the Caprivi Region face, one of which is transportation to clinics and hospitals.By supporting this project we aim to contribute to improve the accessibility of healthcare services.The Ministry of Health and Social Services will play a vital role in ensuring that the bicycle ambulances are placed at chronically affected areas to allow safe and fast access to medical support centres.The bicycle ambulance operators will be trained to transport the passengers safely to the nearest medical centre.Bank Windhoek, being a responsible corporate citizen, understands the importance of having access to healthcare and therefore strives to add value towards the development thereof.We are therefore proud of our association with BEN Namibia.They are not only involved in the development of the bicycle ambulances, but also imports donated second-hand bikes, parts and accessories from overseas charities and refurbish them by employing and training local people in bike mechanics.It is then distributed to community-based organisations.Bank Windhoek will continue to explore other opportunities in improving health care services.Marlize Horn, Bank Windhoek