03 December 2019
The MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Ms Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, has officially handed over 136 brand new, fully-equipped and fit for purpose ambulances to the KwaZulu-Natal Emergencies Medical Services (EMS) at eThethe area KwaDukuza, Ward 20 under ILembe District.
Speaking at the launch, MEC Simelane-Zulu said the Department of health is ready for the December holidays.
"We are here to deliver ambulances that we have bought for this financial year. It's an indication to the people and community that we are ready for the festive season in particular. Although they are not meant for the festive season, they are ambulances that are meant to upgrade and add onto the vehicles that we already have."
But as we know, December is called silly season for a reason, and at times, accidents that could've been avoided occur and there is an increased need for ambulances."
One hundred and six ambulances are Rapid Ambulance Services (fully-equipped) and 30 are Patients Transport Services buses. The Patient Transport Services ( Non-emergencies and Planned Patient Transport) play a critical role in helping disadvantaged people access health services across the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.
The MEC said the government is doing all in its power to provide more ambulances.
"In regards to the shortage of ambulances throughout the province, the delivery of these ambulances is an indication that we are ready and we are steadily growing our fleet. We know that we don't have as much as we are suppose to have, but we are working on it as the government because the reality is that we will never be able to actually purchase all the vehicles at once.
Seeing as we have bought ambulances for this financial year, we are going to buy more in the next financial year." she added.
The unveiling of the new ambulances will improve government's ability to come to the aid of people in emergency situations within "golden hour" including in far-flung areas where the terrain is rough.
Due to the different functions provided by KZN EMS there are different types of vehicles used. These include:
KwaZulu-Natal's EMS unit is the largest emergency medical service in the country, operating more than 300 ambulances and having more than 2500 dedicated paramedics in its employ. The unveiling of the new ambulances for this component does not come cheap but is crucial as the festive season is upon us.
This page last edited on
04 December, 2019
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