Gauteng Health Department stalls on Ekurhuleni ambulance funding
Replies to DA questions regarding purchasing and maintenance of Ekurhuleni’s Ambulance Fleet have revealed that the provincial department only contributes financially to staff costs.
While the province is apparently undergoing a post-filling process for critical posts, along with ambulance procurement (10 obstetric and three ICU ambulances) to improve efficiency, clinics in the metro continue to suffer from severe ambulance shortages and poor service.
This is according to DA Constituency head in Benoni, Michele Clarke MPL.
“Clinics have advised me during oversight visits that they often cannot get through to the provincial ambulance service call centre, and ambulances either arrive late or do not arrive at all,” says Clarke.
“Last year Ekurhuleni allegedly purchased 50 new ambulances out of their own budget as the provincial department was not able to provide the services.
“In reality, the metro should simply be an agent for the province; supplied with vehicles and resources through an annual grant.
“However, the annual grant is never enough to cover the service and operate to the current norms and standards.”
The Gauteng Department of Health was unable to confirm whether additional funds will be allocated for the purchase of more ambulances.
“I will be following up with the department to ensure that this shortage is addressed and that the people of Benoni and greater Ekurhuleni get the service that they deserve,” says Clarke. – @IschkeBoksburg
