Not enough ambulances for population in Mpumalanga
The statement went on to say that the department has only 33 operational ambulances to service 3,97-million people.
Ms Jane Sithole, DA-spokesman on Health in Mpumalanga, welcomed the long-awaited 67 ambulances.
She issued a press release on Friday, 20 November and gave some background on the situation.
According to the statement, the MEC, Ms Sasekani Manzini, said that 178 ambulances were operational to respond to any emergencies in the province in April last year.
“However, this meant that in 12 months, the department’s fleet of ambulances reduced dramatically from 178 to 33, a shocking 81 per cent reduction,” Ms Sithole said.
“Upon enquiry, no answers were received regarding the whereabouts of the 145 ambulances.
“The department also lost two of the brand new ambulances bought in October last year.”
The statement went on to say that the department has only 33 operational ambulances to service 3,97-million people.
“That is less than one ambulance per 120 303 people.”
The DA also wrote to the Premier and Ms Manzini in June, asking them to prioritise the procurement of ambulances in Mpumalanga, but no response has been received.
They urged the Premier to ensure that these ambulances do not gather dust in hospital basements due to chronic staff shortages.
