KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has strengthened emergency medical services in the province with the handover of 44 new ambulances valued at R86 million, reaffirming the department’s commitment to saving lives and supporting frontline workers.

Simelane said the new fleet forms part of a targeted intervention to improve response times and service reliability amid rising emergency call volumes and an ageing vehicle fleet.

She added that the investment highlighted the importance of emergency medical services personnel, who are often the first professionals to reach patients in distress.

She described ambulances as more than just vehicles, saying, “An ambulance is hope on four wheels,” and stressed that lifesaving care begins at the scene of an emergency rather than at hospital level.

She also expressed appreciation for EMS workers who continue to serve communities during the festive season, often sacrificing time with their families.

Simelane addressed concerns about the possible privatisation of emergency medical services, firmly dismissing the speculation.

“Let me be unequivocal: the Department has no plans to privatise our Emergency Medical Services,” she said.

She explained that the department was implementing a temporary intervention to manage current operational pressures, particularly around interfacility patient transfers.

“This involves a short-term collaboration with the private sector to bridge a temporary gap while we finalise the strengthening of our own resources. This is a transitional arrangement for a very specific service.

”Once our operational capacity is restored to a reasonable and sustainable level, we will resume full in-house management of all transfers. Our system remains a public service,” Simelane said.

The R86 million fleet includes 30 standard ambulances, eight dual-stretcher vehicles, and six 35-seater Planned Patient Transport vehicles.

According to the department, the procurement is aimed at reducing vehicle downtime and improving service delivery. While some of the vehicles are still pending due to technical and logistical processes, they are expected to be operational within the coming weeks.

Outlining preparations for the festive season, Simelane said EMS deployment plans had been reinforced, with improved coordination between the department, law enforcement agencies, and other emergency partners.

Resources have been strategically positioned in high-risk areas, with cooperation involving SANRAL, SAPS, and Metro Police to manage the expected increase in trauma cases and emergencies.

She also condemned attacks and intimidation directed at EMS personnel, warning that such acts were criminal offences that endangered public safety. “We urge communities to protect EMS workers and report perpetrators.”

While addressing issues of conduct, the MEC clarified that transgressions are committed by “a few rotten apples” and should not reflect on the entire dedicated team.

The department reiterated its commitment to the wellbeing of healthcare workers, encouraging staff to make use of rest periods, annual leave, and employee support programmes to safeguard their physical and mental health.

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

IOL News 

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