EMS union slams Lim Health Department over failing ambulance fleet

POLOKWANE – The South African Emergency Personnel’s Union (Saepu) has made serious accusations against the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, alleging mismanagement during her tenure as the province’s Health MEC and continuing issues under the current health leadership.

These claims were presented during a march last Wednesday, led by Saepu president Mpho Mpogeng, who voiced concerns raised by emergency care workers.

Ambulance crisis: Limpopo’s EMS fleet in disrepair

The union’s grievances include accusations that the 500 ambulances, which were touted as a major achievement of Ramathuba’s leadership, were not equipped with the necessary medical tools despite being intended to transport emergency patients.

Mpogeng criticised the initiative, suggesting that it was a “stolen strategy” borrowed from Gauteng without considering the unique challenges of the predominantly rural Limpopo.

A key concern raised by the union is the poor condition of the ambulance fleet.

Mpogeng pointed out that some of the ambulances did not have valid licence disks, particularly at healthcare facilities in Malamulele, raising questions about their legality on public roads.

This, he said, posed significant risks to ambulance drivers and could result in fines or accidents.

Additionally, a large number of ambulances, though equipped, reportedly sit broken at various stations, including Polokwane’s Dorp Street station, further impairing emergency medical response capabilities across Limpopo.

In response to the issues, the union threatened to park the ambulances outside the Department of Health in Limpopo if maintenance and operational standards were not improved.

Mpogeng stressed that the situation was urgent and that the lack of functioning vehicles was directly impacting the quality of healthcare in Limpopo.

Calls for leadership reform in Health Department

The union also demanded that vacant managerial positions at EMS stations be filled and that the department invest in further education and training for its workforce.

Mpogeng stressed the importance of equipping healthcare workers with the necessary skills to provide the best possible care to patients.

“We have seen a decline in the quality of healthcare services, and our members are bearing the brunt of this failure,” Mpogeng said, expressing frustration with the department’s handling of the situation.

The union claims that the department’s failure to address their concerns has contributed to a decline in healthcare quality.

EMS personnel report being overworked and understaffed, and the delay in overtime payments has led to delayed responses to emergencies, compromising patient care.

Polokwane Observer reached out to Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana for comment on the claims about the number of active versus broken ambulances in Polokwane. At the time of going to press, no response had been received.

The march, which garnered support from Cosatu Limpopo secretary Hangwani Mashao, saw union members expressing their dissatisfaction with the state of the Health Department.

Mashao pledged to support the workers in all efforts to bring attention to their concerns.

Another point of contention raised by the union was the influence of Ramathuba on current Health leadership.

Mpogeng suggested that Ramathuba’s continued involvement in departmental matters, including attending work events with the current MEC, Dieketseng Mashego, could undermine Mashego’s decision-making authority.

According to Mpogeng, this has led to an over-reliance on the former MEC and created a perception that she is still controlling the department from her office as premier.

Contacted for comment, the premier’s spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha, denied the accusations, stating that she had full confidence in all of her appointed MECs and had not removed anyone from their responsibilities.

He dismissed the allegations as unfounded, but referred Polokwane Observer back to Shikwambana for any comments regarding the health department’s ambulance issues.

The department has been given 14 days to respond to SAEPU’s concerns.

As the standoff continues, the union has warned that it may down tools on Good Friday if their demands are not met.