04 Aug 2013

The Ministry of Health procured a total of 60 ambulances last financial year and they were allocated nationally to different health facilities.  The Assistant Minister of Health, Mr Gaotlhaetse Matlhabaphiri told Parliament that three were allocated to Mahalapye District Health Management Team (DHMT) which covered Shoshong constituency.

In the current financial year, he said 50 ambulances would be acquired and allocated across health facilities taking into consideration factors such as available vehicles in a DHMT, average number of emergencies attended to, proximity to other health facilities and provision of outreach services. Mr Matlhabaphiri also told MPs that an invitation to tender was made from June 24 and closed on July 24 this year, and that the tender was at an evaluation stage. He said the objective of the ministry is to achieve 90 per cent availability status for ambulances and other emergency vehicles. Shoshong MP, Mr Phillip Makgalemele had asked the minister to state progress made in addressing the shortage of ambulances nationwide particularly at Shoshong Constituency since his last assurance to Parliament. ENDS