The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo is deeply concerned and has written to Phophi Ramathuba, MEC for Limpopo Health, requesting that she take immediate action to remedy the shortage of ambulances in Saaiplas and other nearby areas in Elias Motsoaledi.
The DA has received numerous reports and complaints that the Saaiplas Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station currently has no functioning ambulances to service the people in the area and surrounding villages.
DA councillor, Sipho Mmaboko, carried out an oversight visit at the station and found the station has three ambulances that are all damaged. The first ambulance was damaged in February 2022, the second one was damaged in March 2022 and the third one was involved in an accident in May 2022.
This issue came to light after the DA received complaints from community members who required emergency services and were informed that there are no ambulances available. The people were then informed to make use of their own private cars or to call private ambulance services.
This situation brings into question how many people in need of emergency medical attention have been left unattended. The Saaiplas EMS station is meant to service a large area that includes Saaiplas, Mathula, Sehlakwana, Donkey Stop, Holnek, Sovolo, Keerom and Masoing.
The Limpopo Department of Health needs to ensure that the EMS services in different municipalities across the province have well-run maintenance plans for ambulances to ensure there are always some vehicles available and that areas with severe shortages are prioritised for the new vehicles.
The DA believes that everyone has the right to have access to quality health care services, including properly equipped emergency medical services. We call on Ramathuba to intervene with immediate effect.