DURBAN -  "When the IFP leaders conducted an inspection of the ambulances, they were shocked to find that the Advanced Life Support vehicle had no sirens, no hooters, and only red lights," IFP health spokesman Dr Usha Roopnarain.

Four IFP leaders went to visit the hospital after receiving complaints from the public.

Roopnarain said Automated External Defibrillator (AED) monitors in all the new ambulances were not working, and the staff did not know how to use the monitors.

"Many vehicles were not roadworthy, with some ambulances having braking problems, and tyres in a poor condition," he said.

Roopnarain said there were huge shortages of equipment, staff, linen and surgical supplies. Only seven ambulance units were operational at the hospital.

Provincial health spokesman Desmond Motha said the department distributed 292 ambulances in June.

Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo was on a roadshow visiting all districts and speaking to Emergency Medical Rescue Services personnel with the view to bring back discipline, commitment to service, and dedication, Motha said.

On Tuesday, he visited Stanger and Empangeni.

He had already been to two districts, namely Sisonke (Ixopo) and Ugu (Port Shepstone).