Robinah Nabbanja the Prime Minister of Uganda has called upon District Health Officers, Chief Administrative Officers, and district chairpersons to ensure responsible use of government ambulances, preventing misuse.
Government-procured ambulances have been observed engaging in unauthorized activities such as transporting charcoal, stolen livestock, fruits, and cement. “Authorities must oversee the proper use of ambulances,” emphasized Nabbanja.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony for newly acquired ambulances in Kampala, the Prime Minister pledged ongoing support from the Office of the Prime Minister to address gaps in the National Ambulance Service in the coming fiscal years.
Cabinet approved the Emergency Medical Services Policy in September 2021, aiming for a Type B ambulance in every constituency. Currently covering 192 out of 353 constituencies, there remains a gap of 317 ambulances.
Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng acknowledged the deficit and emphasized the commitment to procuring more ambulances to meet the nationwide requirement of 591.
“The number of ambulances required countrywide are 591 and the gap now is 317, out of the 353 constituencies only 192 have standard type B ambulances we still have a deficit, but we shall continue to procure more,” Aceng highlighted.
Ambulances were distributed to constituencies, including Adjumani, Agago, Ajuri County, Buhweju West, Bukono, Bulambuli, Bunyangabo, Igara East, Kyoga, Bukoli, Bugweri, among others.
Diana Atwiine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, announced the allocation of fuel cards for each ambulance, emphasizing their exclusive use for patient transportation.
Atwiine urged legislators to advocate for increased funding to cover operational costs, crucial for ensuring the effective functioning of ambulances across constituencies.
Chairperson of the Health Committee in Parliament, Hon. Charles Ayume, highlighted the challenges faced by Health Center VI nationwide, emphasizing the need for focused attention to reduce mortality rates.
The flag-off ceremony, supported by partners such as WHO, Global Fund, Government of Japan, and UKREB, marked the deployment of 53 out of the procured 116 ambulances.