Businessman donates ambulance to La Digue Hospital |22 June 2005

La Digue businessman Gregoire Payet made the donation at the hospital's compound before Minister for Health and Social Services Vincent Meriton, Designated Minister Danny Faure, Health principal secretary Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, the Member of the National Assembly for La Digue Hansley Constance, as well as doctors and nurses.

Mr Payet handed over the keys to the ambulance, which is worth R255,000 (US $43,000) to Minister Meriton, who then passed it on to the hospital's acting health coordinator, Denise Cousin.

On behalf of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Minister Meriton thanked Mr Payet, adding that the donation shows that private sector can also tend to the needs of the community.

Minister Meriton called on other businessmen to follow the good example of Mr Payet and assist the community.
Mr Payet said that he wanted to make a special contribution towards La Digue Hospital.

“Since I knew that the hospital was in great need of a new ambulance, I thought that by providing it with a new one would surely be of great relief to the community,” said Mr Payet.

On behalf of the hospital staff, Ms Cousin also thanked Mr Payet, adding that “the donation was a surprise and the staff are very happy as before we could not deliver a good service for patients who were in need of the service.”

Two months ago the La Digue Hospital received a consignment of equipment, which included an incubator, a phototherapy machine, a washing machine, a photocopier, air conditions, and ceiling fans from the ministry.