Caxito - The Secretary of State for Public Health, Carlos Sousa, on Wednesday highlighted the importance of the creation of Angola's National Institute for Medical Emergencies (INEMA) as it improved the quality of pre-hospital and primary care.
Speaking at the opening of the 3rd Scientific Workshop marking the 15th anniversary of the INEMA creation, Carlos Sousa said the institution's work, especially in rescuing victims of road accidents and providing medical assistance in crowded activities has helped to significantly reduce fatalities.
“The role that INEMA has played in rescuing accident victims, in providing first aid to people who for various reasons are struck down by illnesses at home, at work, on the public highway and also in transferring patients between hospitals, demonstrates the importance of this institution in the national health system,” Sousa said.
The Secretary of State reiterated the government’s commitment to expand the health network, with the implementation of special services to continue improving the quality and humanization of medical care.
Among the investments, he highlighted the construction of the general hospitals in Bengo, Viana, Cacuaco, Bié province, Cunene, Lunda-Sul, Cabinda, the Cardiopulmonary Diseases Hospital Complex in Luanda, and the Pediatric Hematology Institute, among others.
He said the State plans to allocate 40 motorcycles, 4 boats and helicopters to reinforce INEMA's capacity to rescue victims in areas that are difficult to access and that public tenders will be held for new staff, as well as training for its technicians.
The workshop is analyzing the patients’ rescue on public roads, communication and emergencies between the different actors and users, as well as establishing mechanisms to improve emergency medical assistance services in the country.
INEMA was created in 2009 under Presidential Decree 40/9 of August 21, with the aim of filling one of the gaps that existed at the time in the lack of a structure tasked with the rescue of patients at home and public roads in need of urgent medical assistance.PA/TED/AMP
