YEREVAN, August 30. /ARKA/. The Armenian government took a decision today on distribution of 200 ambulances, including 65 intensive care ambulances, donated by the government of China. 

Health Minister Arsen Torosyan said the ambulances will be distributed among hospitals in the capital city Yerevan and all major hospitals in provincial centers. The minister added that all regional hospitals will have intensive care ambulances. As a result, there will be no need to call such ambulances from Yerevan.

The minister said also that several of the currently operated ambulances will be handed to penitentiary institutions and many more to rural outpatient clinics for ensuring outpatient visits.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for donation saying it once again underscores the high level of Armenian-Chinese relations. 

“I am confident that the level of cooperation between Armenia and China and trade and economic relations will continue to develop," Pashinyan said.

In an interview with RFE/RL Armenian Service Armenian health minister Arsen Torosyan said last week the ministry was  negotiating acquisition of an ambulance helicopter for evacuating patients not only from remote and hard-to-reach regions, but also patients needing urgent surgeries. -0-