MPUMALANGA – Thirty (30) new fully equipped emergency medical services (EMS) response vehicles were unveiled by the Mpumalanga MEC for Health, Sasekani Manzini, at Mbombela Stadium on Monday, December 9.
The unveiling formed part of the Mpumalanga Health Contingency Plan for the festive season.
Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, the City of Mbombela’s MMC for Sports, Arts, and Culture, Khanyisa Mhlanga, and Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s MMC for Health, Million Shongwe, were part of the unveiling.
Sasekani Manzini stated that this initiative is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare capabilities and proactively respond to health emergencies, thereby minimising operational disruptions and ensuring uninterrupted access to adequate healthcare services.
“This launch outlines the Mpumalanga Department of Health’s operational plan to ensure accessible healthcare services to all, maintaining operational continuity of hospitals, community health centres, and EMS vehicles during the festive season and beyond,” she said.
Manzini added that it is also aimed at facilitating rapid emergency response.
The MEC also urged individuals to refrain from misusing EMS contacts and cautioned against attacks on officials and the destruction of resources, noting that a single ambulance is responsible for serving 10,000 patients. “These ambulances will enhance the province’s healthcare capabilities, enabling the delivery of quality services and ensuring patients receive immediate care during emergencies, particularly those living in rural communities,” Manzini stated.
She further advised the public to prioritise a healthy lifestyle this festive season. “Visit your nearest healthcare facility for medical check-ups before Christmas to prevent or treat unnecessary ailments early. Promote responsible behaviour through safe sexual practices by utilising the free condoms provided at various health facilities across the province.”
President of the South African Emergency Personnel’s Union (SAEPU), Mpho Mpogeng, said the 30 newly procured vehicles will not address the shortage of EMS vehicles currently experienced in the province.
Mpogeng added that whilst they note the procurement of the 30 EMS vehicles handed over by the health department, they do not believe that the number is impressive enough to be celebrated.
“Most of the ambulances in Mpumalanga – about 98% of them – have reached 700,000 kilometres, and as a result, are not roadworthy and pose a danger to our members,” Mpogeng said.
“Additionally, the majority of the EMS stations have only one functioning ambulance, hence there are always delays in response times.”
