Otjozondjupa: The Ministry of Health and Social Services has pledged to resolve the critical shortage of ambulances in Otjozondjupa and other regions this year.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Otjozondjupa Regional Health Director, Gebhardo Timotheus, highlighted on Wednesday that the shortage of ambulances in his region remains a significant concern, having reached crisis levels in April 2024. The region is currently served by only four ambulances that cover extensive distances daily from Okahandja to Tsumkwe.

Timotheus emphasized the vastness of the region and the dire need for 14 ambulances, while noting that the existing ambulances have high mileages nearing 600,000 kilometers. This situation underscores the urgency for additional resources to ensure adequate healthcare service delivery.

Reacting to these concerns, Chief Public Relations Officer in the Health Ministry, Walters Kamaya, stated in an interview with Nampa on Thursday that the ministry has procured 23 vehicles specifically for conversion into ambulances. The acquisition includes 11 vans and six Toyota Land Cruisers, with four of the vehicles donated by the World Health Organisation.

Kamaya explained that the next phase involves converting these vehicles into ambulances by equipping them with necessary medical instruments, tools, sirens, and beds. The plan includes a fair distribution of the ambulances to regions in need, including Otjozondjupa, once all logistical arrangements are finalized. The distribution is expected to proceed shortly.