Addressing a forum, State Minister of National Policies and Economic Affairs, Dr. Harsha de Silva said around 60,000 people have been transported to hospitals in emergencies since the launch of the service in July 2016.

“I am glad to announce that the island-wide expansion is beginning next month. I will make sure that all 21 million people of this country will have access to a fully equipped ambulance and an emergency medical technician within 12 minutes by the end of this year,” Dr. de Silva said. He was delivering a keynote at the launch of Venture Frontier Lanka, a four year nationwide entrepreneurship initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing Sri Lanka’s promising for-profit entrepreneurs.

The emergency ambulance service, accessible for the public toll free by dialing 1990, is presently available in the Western and Southern Provinces and includes the districts of Hambantota, Matara, Galle, Kalutara and Gampaha.

The project aimed at uplifting and improving medical facilities in the country was initiated under a USD 7.6 million grant from India along with technical assistance. The service is based on a model developed in India as a public private partnership with GVK EMRI, which developed as a corporate social responsibility project of India’s GVK group.

It is learnt that over 550 Sri Lankans are being provided employment through this initiative including 250 EMTs who were trained in India as per stringent standards expected frm this care.

In addition, 250 pilots and 50 Call Center Operators have been trained and equipped with know-how and competencies in managing and administering emergency care.