Ministry of Health acquires 32 new ambulances

Ainebyoona who made the revelation on his official twitter account said the new ambulances will strengthen the national ambulance system.

“Good news, the Ministry of Health has acquired 32 new ambulances. The new addition to our fleet will help strengthen the national ambulance system,” he said.  

According to the Ministry, there are 178 functional ambulances and 50 are run by the local governments, against a set target of 460 ambulances.

Last year, Ministry of Health cautioned Government officials who misuse the ambulances.

Speaking during the flag off of six new ambulances to the districts of Ntungamo, Wakiso, Lira, Kanungu, Manafwa, and Omoro, the Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, said Government still struggles to have an ambulance per district to bridge a huge gap of emergency services in many areas.

Aceng was also concerned that the Ambulance that was given to Omoro a month earlier was grounded. The vehicle was a donation from Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency.

The commissioner of emergency services, Dr. John Bosco Waniaye, said the new ambulances were given out with clear maintenance instructions. He explained that the ambulances should be serviced after driving for a specific mileage but also ensure that the medical equipment fixed is checked after it has been used.

According to Waniaye, maintenance checks on ambulances are supposed to be done only at the regional referral hospital workshops.