Windhoek: Community members of ||Nhoma village, located about 80 kilometres outside Tsumkwe in the Otjozondjupa Region, have appealed for improved ambulance services, saying current challenges make access to healthcare difficult and risky.

According to Namibia Press Agency, community member Kommsa Kaesie expressed concerns during an interview about the current ambulance services. He revealed that although an ambulance is available, it often fails to return patients to their village after receiving treatment in Tsumkwe. Instead, patients are reportedly dropped halfway at Aasvo«lnes, approximately 40 kilometres from both Tsumkwe and ||Nhoma.

Kaesie highlighted that while travelling to Tsumkwe is manageable, the return journey poses a significant problem, discouraging many residents from seeking medical care. He added that his family, consisting of about 40 members, lacks transport, complicating their access to medical facilities when necessary.

Tsumkwe Constituency Councillor Johannes Hausiku confirmed his awareness of the situation, acknowledging the issues with the ambulance services. Hausiku explained that the constituency, with a population of about 15,000 inhabitants, relies on a single ambulance to serve nearly the entire area. Most vehicles intended for assistance are in poor condition, forcing him to sometimes use his personal vehicle to aid community members.

Otjozondjupa Regional Health Director, Gebhardo Timotheus, also acknowledged the challenge, noting that despite Tsumkwe recently receiving a new ambulance, poor infrastructure hampers service delivery. He explained that the lack of infrastructure, roads, and communication makes it very difficult for the people in the region.

Timotheus assured the community that efforts are being made to address their concerns. He stated, "We understand their plea. But we have really tried our level best to respond to them. But that is not where we are ending. Any other vehicle that we find to be used again, we'll continue supporting," promising to explore further solutions to assist the communities.