By Vumani Mthiyane
Matabeleland South is operating with nine ambulances servicing seven districts out of a required fleet of 35 ambulances.
This was revealed by the Provincial Medical Director, Dr Ruth Chikodzore during a handover of an ambulance donated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
She said the ministry was failing to adequately service all health facilities due to ambulance shortages.
In his response, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Abednico Ncube said the health ministry has established an ambulance services directorate that would ensure that every part of the country has an adequate fleet of ambulances.
However, PMD Chikodzore appealed for more ambulances and servicing of the current fleet.
“As a province, we have always had challenges of ambulance services. During the Covid 19 era, we always highlighted the effects in the health service delivery system. On the ground, only 9 ambulances are functional out of 35 meaning that each district is operating with one ambulance which is grossly insufficient especially now that there is Covid 19 pandemic upon us. Each district needs a dedicated ambulance for this particular service,” said Dr Chikodzore.
She added that 13 are non runners that need total overhauls while the rest are due for disposal.
However, Min Ncube also agreed that there was a need to service and rehabilitate the road network in the province as it contributes to ambulance damages.
