307 Ambulances not enough for Emergency Healthcare Services – National Ambulance Service

The head of operations of the National Ambulance Service (NAS), Foster Ansong Bridjan, has said that the 307 ambulances to be distributed today is still not enough to facilitate emergency healthcare services in Ghana.

According to Mr Bridjan, an estimated number of 1500 ambulances, will be needed to properly enhance the workings of the healthcare and ambulance service in the country. He added that Ghana currently has 350 ambulances- thus “when the newly-to-be-dispatched ones are added to what we already have”.

Speaking about the issue on Rainbow Radio on Monday, he explained that the 307 ambulances to be distributed on Tuesday is however worth celebrating since “it’s the largest fleet of ambulances procured and dispatched in the country”.

He also noted that “the 307 ambulances procured at least will help establish an ambulance station in each constituency or district to foster the operations of healthcare delivery in the country.”

Usage and maintenance of procured ambulances

Mr Bridjan asserted that, personnel with the National Ambulance Service have been duly trained to properly use the equipment within the ambulances by experts. The drivers have also been trained on how to handle the vehicle for optimal results.

He explained that the ministry and the manufacturers have agreed on some terms to service and ensure maintenance of the vehicle for the next five years.

“The Ministry and the manufacturers or supplier have had talks to sign service agreements that will ensure that for the next five years, anytime the ambulance develop faults, they will service it accordingly”

Mr Bridjan said, the ambulance service is hopeful that the government will continually procure more ambulances to improve the healthcare service in Ghana.

Source: Jonas Danquah || ghananewsonline.com.gh