The second stage of the river ambulance service aiming at shortening the duration of transporting wounded during rush hours in Greater Cairo was opened on Monday 21/1/2013.

Health Minister Mohamed Moustafa, accompanied by the ministers of military production and irrigation as well as Cairo and Giza governors, opened the new stage.

The river ambulance service aims at offering medical services to areas inaccessible by ambulance vehicles like islands in the heart of the Nile River, head of the Egyptian Ambulance Service Authority Mohamed Sultan said.

It will also serve floating ships and Nile sports events, acting as an alternative method to road ambulance during traffic congestions, he said.

The first stage of the project which became operational in July of 2009 covers Upper Egypt, he said, adding that six river ambulances will be afloat in the second stage to cover Greater Cairo.

"We are now studying operating sea ambulances to serve tourist areas like Sharm el-Sheikh, Ain Sokhana, Marsa Alm and the northern coast," he added.