Members of the KZN Legislature conducted follow-up oversight visits to Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facilities in Ugu District Municipality on September 8.

This is part of the Health Institutions Functionality and Monitoring Programme, which is conducted across the province.

These visits follow the Legislature’s 2025 oversight programme and aim to establish, on the ground, the extent to which resolutions arising from those visits have been implemented and whether the improvements reported by the Department of Health are being experienced.

Health Portfolio Committee Chairperson Dr Imran Keeka said even though several notable improvements have been reported since last year’s visits, serious concerns remain.

“Emergency response times are still not where they need to be. The availability and condition of ambulances and other essential equipment remain inadequate in areas of the province, and the condition and functionality of several EMS bases remain far from the standard required of a modern emergency medical service.”

He added the Legislature’s responsibility is not simply to receive reports.

“We must go back, see for ourselves, speak to those delivering services on the frontline and establish whether the commitments made following our previous oversight visits have translated into meaningful and sustainable improvements.”

The oversight also scrutinised the infrastructure, staff, fleet availability and management, emergency medical equipment, communication systems, patient transport services and, critically, emergency response times.

Keeka said emergency response times cannot merely be regarded as statistics on a departmental performance report.

“When someone suffers a heart attack, is seriously injured in a collision, has a complicated childbirth or faces another life-threatening emergency, every minute matters. Behind every response time statistic is a person and a family waiting for help. The people of Ugu are entitled to an emergency medical service that responds when they need it, with properly equipped vehicles, functioning equipment, sufficient personnel and bases that are fit for purpose.”

He added that follow-ups are important and if progress has been made, it must be recognised.

“If commitments have not been fulfilled, it must also be noted, and where shortcomings continue to place effective emergency care beyond the reach of communities, the Legislature must insist on corrective action and accountability.”

He concluded that constitutional oversight requires the Legislature to establish whether public resources are producing the services for which they were intended.

“We are therefore returning to these facilities on behalf of the people of KZN not merely to hear what has improved, but to verify it for ourselves.”

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram