N$32m ambulance fleet unveiled

The health ministry has unveiled a new fleet of 36 ambulances valued at N$32 million.Health minister Esperance Luvindao on Monday emphasised that the investment goes beyond simply adding vehicles to the national fleet.“These ambulances are not just transportation. They are a sign of our unwavering commitment to saving lives, to changing lives, to changing the status quo," Luvindao said.While celebrating the investment, the minister issued a stern reminder about the importance of maintenance and accountability. She warned that poor stewardship would negate the ministry’s efforts and risk lives. “It is not acceptable for us, one year down the line, to have the same ambulances not functioning. Not because they were misused by the community, but simply because the people that were supposed to maintain it are not doing their job," she said. “It is good to have shiny new toys, but maintenance is critical. We must maintain these ambulances to the same standard – if not better – than the private sector. When people do not maintain what is theirs, then people do not live," she added.Smart health The minister added that government is actively exploring the next phase of emergency healthcare: smart ambulances.“The ministry will soon start looking into the possibility of procuring smart ambulances equipped with advanced technology, including 5G connectivity, AI-assisted care,and augmented reality systems,” she said.Smart ambulances will be equipped with digital tools that allow for real-time diagnostics, remote doctor consultations during transit and instant access to medical records.“Smart ambulance systems will improve patient care and streamline operations. The future of emergency medical services is not just speed, it’s intelligent, connected and patient-focused. These innovations aim to ensure that no Namibian dies because they live far from a hospital," Luvindao said. Help from aboveAlongside plans for land-based smart systems, Luvindao revealed that the ministry is working toward acquiring its first state-owned air ambulance, a resource seen as crucial for reaching flood-prone and geographically isolated regions.“I will not rest until we have officiated our very first air ambulance for the ministry, owned by the ministry itself, not outsourced to private,” she noted.The ministry also announced a strategic policy shift: rather than assigning ambulances directly to health facilities, a new network of medical care emergency response centres will be established in all 14 regions. These hubs will be manned by trained emergency care practitioners and supported by mobile response units.“The current approach of allocating ambulances to different hospitals, health centres, and, in some cases, clinics is not efficient and effective,” said Luvindao.First response vehicles will still be stationed at clinics and hospitals to provide immediate assistance while full ambulance units are dispatched, the minister explained.http://bit.ly/3HD5EXa

N$32m ambulance fleet unveiled

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-05

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N$32m ambulance fleet unveiled

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-05

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