MEC Dr Ramathuba hands over ambulances at Nkhensani Hospital

Limpopo MEC for Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba on Wednesday handed over 35 ambulances at Nkhensani Hospital, Mopani District.

During the 2023/24 budget speech, the MEC made a commitment to the procurement of 500 new ambulances. This is to add to the existing EMS fleet in the province.

The department has also revealed that Suppliers have started with the delivery of vehicles. The first batch of 70 ambulances has been received, and of these, 35 are ready for commissioning and have been allocated to the Mopani District.

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Other districts are set to be catered for in the upcoming batches until the 500 figure is realized.

“The procurement of these 500 ambulances forms part of the initiative, which is the 1st of its kind in EMS South Africa,” the department said in a statement.

DR PHOPHI RAMATHUBA HANDS AMBULANCES AT NKHENSANI HOSPITAL IN LIMPOPO

“Ambulances will be allocated to crews, consisting of two EMS employees. Only the crew will be allowed to utilize the vehicle. Thus ensuring that there is full accountability in using the vehicle.

“Ambulance services are a vital cog in providing prompt medical care to patients. Ensuring that they receive immediate attention and care, providing first aid, stabilizing the patient’s condition, and preventing the condition from worsening,” said MEC Ramathuba.

“As a province, we need more of the ambulance services. So that we may be able to improve the ability to come to the aid of people in emergency situations within the golden hour, including in far-flung areas where the terrain is high.”