The Ministry of Health on Thursday received five fully-equipped Toyota Quantum Ambulances worth P2.3 million from the Motor Vehicle accident fund (MVA).
The Assistant Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr Charles Tibone, handed over the ambulances, which were received by the Minister of Health, Reverend Dr John Seakgosing, at an event held at his ministry’s headquarters in Gaborone.
Handing over the ambulances, Tibone applauded the MVA Fund.
“This is a long-term investment by the MVA Fund and the Ministry of Health whose resultant dividend has the distinct potential to bring comfort, relieve pain and in some cases prevent the loss of precious lives.”
He said the relationship between the two had been solemnized last year when they signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which provided a frame work that defines how they will work together to advance their areas of mutual interest.
Tibone said by so doing the quality of life is enhanced by compensating, rehabilitating and supporting those affected by road accidents.
He informed his audience that the five ambulances will be distributed between the two referral hospitals namely of Princess Marina and Nyangabgwe. He described the handing over of the ambulances not as a donation, but rather as “a joint investment with the potential to make operations and services provided by the ministry of health move faster and be more cost efficient and cost effective”.
Tibone said that the ambulances are equipped with modern technology such as defibrillator, suction machines, oxygen tanks, resuscitation tray, map readers and many others.
“It is believed that this allocation will enhance the ministry’s capacity to respond to post crash emergencies and thereby improve pre-hospital care and trauma management in the long term,” Tibone added.
Receiving the ambulances, Health minister, Reverend Dr. Seakgosing expressed gratitude at the donation, adding that they desperately needed the ambulances, while Tibone said they have about 27 nurses and ambulance drivers who received Ambulance induction programme. Seakgosing indicated that their report has 30 doctors and nurses trained in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 45 nurses and doctors also in Basic Life Support System.
He, however, acknowledged and lamented the acute shortage of skilled personnel.
Tibone, on the other hand encouraged the relationship going on between other stakeholders and the MVA Fund stating the DRTS which was assisted with IT equipment and related accessories and the Botswana Police which also is about to receive a consignment of three fully equipped booze buses for effective enforcement of road safety laws.
“The Action challenges countries to implement road safety activities according to five pillars, being road safety management, safer roads and mobility, safer vehicles, safer road users and post crash response,” said Tibone.
Seakgosing concluded by highlighting his belief that the deaths and injuries would reduce to 50 percent by the year 2020.
