Limpopo launches specialised and first of its kind ambulances

Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba officially launched over 20 Emergency Medical Services vehicles (ambulances) of which five of them specifically meant for COVID-19 response units fitted with high flow of Oxygen.

The launch took place at EMS’s Che Guvera building at Polokwane on Thursday, the 3rd June this year.

The department has launched over 250 ambulances since the beginning of 2016 and Dr Ramathuba says this has been done in line with both the State of the Provincial Address (SOPA) and Budget Speech commitments.

“Once again on behalf of the department I would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to the Premier Ntate Chupu Mathabatha for ensuring that the Provincial Government puts aside money for procurement of ambulances every year.” MEC Ramathuba said.

All the ambulances are Neonatal friendly and come with a Medical Command Unit to deal with any medical emergency situation.

The procurement of the ambulances comes at a time when the country is battling the economic setback as a result of Covid-19.

MEC Ramathuba said the procurement of the ambulances including all the special fitting the Provincial Government has spent over R18 million.

“These ambulances do not come cheap and do not belong to the Premier or Ramathuba but to the whole community of Limpopo regardless of one’s wealth status.”

She described the need to continue rendering health care services especially in rural provinces such as Limpopo as expensive and said “it is therefore everyone’s responsibility to safeguard these ambulances because they remain scarce resources.”

MEC also appealed to the service providers especially those responsible for vehicle services to prioritise ambulances.

“I do not know the service level agreement between the department and the service providers but I would like to call up the managers responsible for maintenance of the ambulances to ensure that there is a good service agreement with the service providers so that priority can be given to the ambulances.” She added.

Written by: Kanego Lewele