In an effort to reduce neonatal and maternal mortality in the province, Gauteng Department of Health has increased the number of obstetric ambulances from seven to 13.
Two of the new obstetric ambulances were distributed to the City of Joburg, one to Metsweding, one to West Rand District, one to City of Tshwane and one to Sedibeng Municipalities.
These ambulances transport pregnant women who are in labour to health facilities with maternity services in the province.
They are equipped with all necessary equipment to provide quality treatment and care to both mother and child. The staff deployed to utilise these ambulances is highly qualified in emergency care and is able to handle any complication that may arise on route to a health facility.
To supplement these obstetric ambulances, the Department also uses ordinary ambulances as well as private ambulances to transport pregnant women to health facilities.
In addition to the six obstetric ambulances, the department also earlier this month distributed nine ordinary ambulances to different municipalities in the province. City of Tshwane, City of Joburg, Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng Municipalities were allocated two ambulances each and one was handed over to West Rand District.
The Department has also been concerned about the slow response of our ambulances. In the last quarter our ambulances managed to respond to less than half (48%) of life threatening calls in the required 15 minutes. The Department is also in the process of appointing a chief executive officer for emergency services.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
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