PORTALJABAR, DISTRICT. GARUT - Head of the Garut Regency Health Service (Dinkes), Leli Yuliani, emphasized that the news regarding the disappearance of two ambulances donated by the Japanese Government was not true. This was stated by Leli in her official statement at the Garut Health Office (9/11/2023).

According to him, the two cars had actually been loaned to the Garut Regency Social Service (Dinsos) to strengthen the Community Hope Home Integrated Service (LAPAD RUHAMA), and also to the Medina Hospital to strengthen services for mothers and babies in emergency situations.

Last January, explained Dr. Leli, Garut Regency Government received a grant of four ambulances from the Japanese Government. The four cars were handed over by the Regent of Garut, Rudy Gunawan, to the Garut Regency Health Office as a Regional Work Unit (SKPD) which manages the health sector.

"And of the 4 ambulances, 2 are currently still at the Health Service, which are still used at Public Safety Center (PSC) 119 to handle emergency referrals," said Dr. Lily.

Furthermore, Dr. Leli explained that the 2 ambulances at the Garut District Health Office will be used by Malangbong Hospital and will be loaned to Nurhayati Hospital. The reason behind this loan is because these two hospitals are 2 of the 4 hospitals in Garut Regency designated as Comprehensive Neonatal Emergency Obstetric Services (PONEK) Hospitals.

The four PONEK hospitals in Garut Regency include the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) dr. Slamet, Pameungpeuk Garut Regional Hospital, Medina Hospital, and Nurhayati Hospital.

Collaboration between the two hospitals and the Health Social Security Administering Agency (BPJS) has also been established. With the addition of these two ambulance fleets, it is hoped that health services for underprivileged communities, especially in cases of emergencies for mothers and newborns, can improve.

"For the maintenance of the vehicle, if it is borrowed for use in the MoU it is stated that the maintenance is borne by the party borrowing it," he said.