There are calls by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo requesting the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) to probe the Limpopo Department of Health for failing to provide Emergency Medical Services to the residents of Musina, SurgeZirc SA reports.
In a statement made available to SurgeZirc SA, the DA said it has received numerous reports and complaints that the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Musina currently has no functioning ambulances to service the people in the town and surrounding villages.
The DA claims that the report reveals a shortage of ambulances in the area seems to be a historical challenge in the municipality.
“The DA has previously written to Limpopo Health MEC, Phophi Ramathuba, to urgently probe the lack of ambulances in Musina. We also raised this issue as far back as 2016, when Musina only had one operational ambulance.
“The failure of the department and Ramathuba to urgently respond to such a pressing issue for residents of Musina, whose health services are now compromised, is indicative of an uncaring government.
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“The current situation in Musina is a result of poor fleet management and maintenance of an aging fleet of ambulances. It is also evidence of the province’s failure to provide health services to residents in the far-flung areas of the province.
“Regulations relating to standards for EMS require that vehicles used to transport patients and personnel must be safe and maintained. It also requires that the EMS must also implement an effective fleet management system and that the Provincial Department of Health must oversee and support the EMS,” the statement reads.
In line with the findings, the DA calls on the Limpopo Department of Health to ensure proper maintenance of ambulances.
“The Limpopo Department of Health needs to ensure that the EMS services in different municipalities across the province have well-run maintenance plans for ambulances to ensure there are always some vehicles available and that areas with severe shortages are prioritized for the new vehicles
“The DA believes that everyone has the right to have access to quality health care services including properly equipped emergency medical services.”
