Government Has Procured 100 Ambulances - Health Ministry

The Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr John Mangwiro has said the government has taken delivery of 100 ambulances that are set to be distributed across the country’s 10 provinces soon.

So far, some of the ambulances have been fully kitted, while the Government awaits more kits for the remaining emergency health vehicles. Said Mangwiro:

Yes, I can confirm that we have procured those ambulances and they are now in the country. You can get further information from the Ministry of Finance (and Economic Development), who are responsible for the purchase, they have been busy with the logistics of providing funding for the purchase of the ambulances and other finer details.

Communications and advocacy director in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development Mr Clive Mphambela said all the 100 ambulances are now in the country and they will be commissioned on a date to be advised soon.

He added that the kits have been acquired for the remaining ambulances and the ministry is about to receive these materials and start fitting the vehicles. Mphambela added that kitting is done locally.

Each province is set to receive between eight to 10 ambulances once they have been all kitted. As of December 31, 2018, the ministry had 282 ambulances and out of the 282 ambulances, 134 were functional whilst 148 were non-runners.

Zimbabwe has 63 districts in the country’s health system and studies say each district should have at least two functional ambulances and qualified personnel. 

More: The Sunday Mail