Amolatar health centre IV gets a type B ambulance

Amolatar district leaders on Tuesday received a new ambulance from the Ministry of Health in its push for better health service delivery.

The handover took place at Amolatar Health Centre IV where Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) Vuciri Geoffrey spoke on the importance of the modern type B ambulance to local healthcare.

Vuciri also extended a stern warning to the ambulance driver regarding the transportation of inappropriate items.

“The integrity of our emergency services must not be compromised,” he stated, cautioning against any misuse that could risk the withdrawal of such vital resources from the district.

Dr. Agness Atim Apea, the Woman Member of Parliament for Amolatar, speaking on behalf of Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, the Minister of Health, said the ambulance comes free of charge in accordance with government guidelines.

“This is a crucial step towards improving healthcare access in our region,” Dr. Aceng noted, underscoring the intention behind the initiative.

Dr. Apea did not shy away from expressing her concerns regarding the current state of Amolatar HCIV. She attributed the facility’s challenges to the misallocation of government funds by district leaders.

“….the funds allocated to our district are utilised effectively and transparently,” she urged.

This call was directed particularly at the district council members and the district chairperson, whom she encouraged to ensure their legacy reflects a commitment to community welfare rather than individual gains.

Dr. Apea specifically cautioned her fellow leaders about the necessity of avoiding fund misappropriation. “If we had been planning appropriately with the resources allocated to us, our healthcare facilities would reflect much more progress than they currently do.”

Her observations during the inspection of the health facility raised critical questions, particularly concerning the stalled children and maternity ward projects, despite the sufficient funding earmarked and released for these essential services.

“The President has made it clear that combating corruption is a priority, and as leaders, we cannot afford to be passive observers,” the woman MP said.

Dr. Apea extended her gratitude to the dedicated staff at Amolatar HCIV, recognising their hard work and commitment to the community’s health needs.

“You have been entrusted with a vital role, and I encourage you to continue your excellent service,” she stated, acknowledging the efforts of the CAO’s office in providing necessary training for the ambulance operators.

On August 22, 2022, Dr. Apea said she requested a type B ambulance.

Her request, she said, aligns with the national emergency medical services policy established in 2021, which mandates that national ambulance services be coordinated at the regional level, ensuring that each constituency with a population of 100,000 people is allocated one type B ambulance.

A type B ambulance is a basic life support ambulance made for emergency transportation and equipped with basic medical care for patients under referral.