Limpopo Health MEC Dr. Phophi Ramathuba together with Polokwane Municipality Mayor Cllr John Mpe handed over 75 new ambulances at Mankweng Hospital in Polokwane Municipality under the Capricorn District Hospital on Thursday.
This comes after the launch of 2023 festive season state of readiness. The initiative is part of the 500 ambulances that MEC promised the people of Limpopo.
Out of the 75 ambulances, 40 will be allocated to Emergency Medical Services stations in Polokwane Municipality: 20 to Polokwane EMS, 10 to Mankweng EMS, and 10 to Lebowakgomo EMS. The remaining 35 will be distributed as follows: 12 to Tzaneen EMS station, 12 to Bela-Bela EMS station, and 11 to Modimolle EMS station.
Throughout the festive period, these emergency medical services will be strategically deployed along major routes such as the N1 from Pienaarsrevier to Musina, the N11, and the R71, ensuring swift medical intervention for patients on these bustling roads.
“We are fortifying our Emergency Medical Services along key travel routes to ensure a rapid response when needed. With the influx of visitors during this festive period, heading to pilgrimages, vacations, and reuniting with families, it’s crucial to be prepared for any eventualities,” MEC Ramathuba stressed
The MEC will also take time to assess hospitals state of readiness which includes water availability, functional generators as part of alternative power supply, standby drivers, adequate food supplies and all other logistics which are critical towards the proper functioning of a hospital especially during this period where a number of support staff and senior managers will be on leave.