COX'S BAZAR, Sept 12, 2022 (BSS) - The people of Japan have donated three ambulances to FRIENDSHIP hospital in Ukhiya for ensuring timely healthcare and medical services to the forcibly displaced Myanmar citizens Rohingyas in the district.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki today officially handed over the keys of the ambulances to chief legal and financial officer of FRIENDSHIP Muhammad Shamim Reza at a function at the FRIENDSHIP hospital, a national NGO-run healthcare facility in Ukhiya, here, said a press release.

Cox's Bazar Deputy Commissioner Md Mamunur Rashid and FRIENDSHIP Deputy Director of Health Dr Rafi Abul Hasnath Siddique and other officials concerned were present at the function.

On the occasion, Ito Naoki said Japan always stands by Bangladesh with humanitarian aid and hoped that these ambulances will play a vital role in ensuring patient transport and healthcare services at the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar National (FDMN) camps in Ukhiya.

Dr Golam Rasul, head of health, FRIENDSHIP, said, "Besides the Rohingyas, the local communities also have health risks. Consequently, FRIENDSHIP is providing its services to both the Rohingyas and the host communities".

The ambulances will offer accessibility to three hundred thousand people from both communities, he said, adding that access to Ukhiya and Cox's Bazar upazila healthcare facilities will be much easier now, especially during inclement weather.

Dr Rasul thanked the people of Japan for their generosity and compassion and wished for a long-lasting friendship between the people of the two countries.