A man donated 15 new wheelchairs to the Ministry of Health recently on behalf of his family.

During a ceremony at the Victoria Hospital, Ibrahim Surman handed over the wheelchairs to the director of the physiotherapy section in the ministry, Patricia Rene, in the presence of health minister Patrick Pillay, principal secretary Marja Macgaw and other health officials.

Mr Surman said that such donations by his family represent their will to help others in the community and give back what they have received.

“It is important that we help one another -- those who have to share with those in need,” he said.  Mr Surman also thanked Air Seychelles for helping in the transportation of the wheelchairs.

The donation marks the second time the Surmans have contributed to the ministry.  They donated 10 wheelchairs on a previous occasion.

The detachable wheelchairs are specialised in that the back and arm rest can be removed for convenient use by people who have difficulty walking from disabilities or paralysis, amputees and those who have suffered from accidents.

“Such a generous donation is always welcome by the Ministry of Health and will facilitate our job by allowing patients to become more independent," Mrs Rene said.  "At the same time it permits them to move from their beds as well as prevent certain complications such as bed sores.”

On behalf of the ministry and the beneficiaries of the donation, Mrs Rene thanked Mr Surman and said that the Ministry of Health is in need of new wheelchairs to replenish their stock. The wheelchairs are set to replace existing ones that cannot be used due to wear and tear.

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