By Emmanuel AinebyoonaSPRO-MOH
The Prime Minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda has today flagged off 10 ambulances and handed them over Uganda Red Cross to handle emergency and accident Response on the country’s major highways.
The 10 ambulances classified and equipped as class B cost UgShs2 billion. They were procured by Uganda Red Cross with funding from government of Uganda.
Dr Rugunda said the ambulance are a concrete step that will ensure Ugandans get emergency health care.“This is a big achievement for our country. This collaboration is crucial because Red Cross has the capacity and there is already substantial evidence with Bududa and recently when we were faced with the COVID-19 response pedemic,” Dr Ruganda noted as he flagged off and handed over the 10 ambulances to Uganda Red Cross.
Government made available Ugshs8billion to Uganda Red Cross to ensure targeted
service delivery.The Ministry of Health PS Dr Diana Atwine applauded Red Cross for being a faithful partner who has untelised the resources very well.
“It is our dream that in the next three years we shall have a fleet for every region with call centres. We hope that these ambulances are centrally managed,” said Dr Atwine.She added that Red cross has supported government during the landslides in Bududa and during the Ebola Response and currently COVID-19 Response.The Uganda Red cross, Secretary General Mr Robert Kwesiga said fleet base of ambulances will continue to grow.
“The ambulances will provide emergency services on the highways of Kampala-Masaka-Mbarara Kabale, Lira-Mbale, Kamapala-Gulu, Kamapala-Malaba and 2 will be stationed in the Kampala Metropolitan.
The project is expected to have a fleet of 20 ambulances for emergency medical services on the major highways.
Dr. Diana AtwiineMinistry of HealthRuhakana Rugunda
