Terrain shapes ambulance allocations, says Luvindao
Health minister Dr Esperance Luvindao told parliament last week that the distribution of ambulances across the country has been guided by the suitability of vehicles to operate in Namibia’s diverse and often unforgiving terrains.
Luvindao admitted that ambulance shortages remain a critical challenge for the public health sector, particularly in remote areas where access to healthcare is severely constrained.
“Allocations were therefore made by considering the suitability of a vehicle for the specific terrain,” she explained.
The health ministry recently procured 36 new ambulances valued at N$32 million to enhance emergency medical services across the country.
These new vehicles, consisting of minibuses and 4x4s, are being deployed to regions with the greatest need to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly for remote communities.
Citing Opuwo as an example, Luvindao noted that the 300-km trip from the clinic to the district hospital can take at least 15 hours due to rough terrain.
“Such difficult terrains require ambulances like the Land Cruiser, capable of transferring patients under such conditions,” she explained.
Budget constraints further limit the number and type of vehicles procured.
The minister said a batch of ambulances, purchased directly by the ministry, included Land Cruiser station wagons specifically allocated to Tsumkwe and Gam to navigate their harsh landscapes.
Fresh approach
While highlighting the importance of terrain-based allocations, Luvindao conceded that the ministry’s current approach to ambulance distribution has been “inefficient and unsustainable.”
She announced that government is transitioning to a new medical emergency response model, which will establish dedicated centres in all regions staffed by emergency care practitioners.
Luvindao also revealed plans to recruit and train 10 000 community health workers over the next six years to strengthen rural emergency responses.
“This initiative is designed to expand our reach and ensure that communities themselves are equipped to respond to emergencies, rather than waiting for resources from central locations,” she said.
Luvindao stressed that her ministry remains committed to “exploring innovative approaches” to close healthcare gaps.
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Luvindao admitted that ambulance shortages remain a critical challenge for the public health sector, particularly in remote areas where access to healthcare is severely constrained.
“Allocations were therefore made by considering the suitability of a vehicle for the specific terrain,” she explained.
The health ministry recently procured 36 new ambulances valued at N$32 million to enhance emergency medical services across the country.
These new vehicles, consisting of minibuses and 4x4s, are being deployed to regions with the greatest need to bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly for remote communities.
Citing Opuwo as an example, Luvindao noted that the 300-km trip from the clinic to the district hospital can take at least 15 hours due to rough terrain.
“Such difficult terrains require ambulances like the Land Cruiser, capable of transferring patients under such conditions,” she explained.
Budget constraints further limit the number and type of vehicles procured.
The minister said a batch of ambulances, purchased directly by the ministry, included Land Cruiser station wagons specifically allocated to Tsumkwe and Gam to navigate their harsh landscapes.
Fresh approach
While highlighting the importance of terrain-based allocations, Luvindao conceded that the ministry’s current approach to ambulance distribution has been “inefficient and unsustainable.”
She announced that government is transitioning to a new medical emergency response model, which will establish dedicated centres in all regions staffed by emergency care practitioners.
Luvindao also revealed plans to recruit and train 10 000 community health workers over the next six years to strengthen rural emergency responses.
“This initiative is designed to expand our reach and ensure that communities themselves are equipped to respond to emergencies, rather than waiting for resources from central locations,” she said.
Luvindao stressed that her ministry remains committed to “exploring innovative approaches” to close healthcare gaps.
[email protected]
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