Thirty new fully equipped emergency medical services (EMS) response vehicles were unveiled as part of the Mpumalanga Health Contingency Plan for the festive season.

“This forms part of the government’s initiative to strengthen its healthcare capabilities and proactively respond to health emergencies, thereby minimising operational disruptions and ensuring uninterrupted access to adequate healthcare services,” said the Mpumalanga MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini.

She was joined by the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders’ chairperson, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, the City of Mbombela’s MMC for sports, arts and culture, Khanyisa Mhlanga, and Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s MMC for health, Million Shongwe, for the launch at Mbombela Stadium on Monday, December 9.

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“This launch outlines the Mpumalanga Department of Health’s operational plan to ensure accessible healthcare services to all, maintaining operational continuity of hospitals, community health centres and EMS vehicles during the festive season and beyond, and to facilitate rapid emergency response. The objective of a health contingency plan is to minimise operational disruptions and maintain continuity in serving the public, especially during the festive season when hospitals and clinics typically experience high volumes of patients due to road accidents and gender-based violence cases,” she said.

Manzini urged individuals to refrain from misusing EMS contacts and cautioned against attacks on officials and the destruction of resources, noting that a single ambulance is responsible for serving 10 000 patients. “These ambulances will enhance the province’s healthcare capabilities, enabling the delivery of quality services and ensuring patients receive immediate care during emergencies, particularly those living in rural communities.”

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She further advised the public to prioritise a healthy lifestyle this festive season. “Visit your nearest care facility for medical check-ups before Christmas to prevent or treat unnecessary ailments early. Promote responsible behaviour through safe sexual practices, utilising the free condoms provided at various health facilities across the province.”