Northern Regional Health Directorate takes delivery of ambulances

Tamale, Dec. 10, GNA - The Northern Regional Health Directorate on Wednesday took delivery of nine ambulances for distribution among nine district hospitals in the region to improve quality healthcare delivery. The ambulances, which cost about 107,000 dollars, are part of measures and the conscious efforts of government to bring quality healthcare services to the doorstep of the people to enhance their living conditions.

The ambulances are fitted with first aid kits and equipment including oxygen cylinders, movable stretchers, kidney bows, fire extinguishers, air conditioners and cervical collars. The beneficiary health facilities are the Gushiegu and Gambaga hospitals in the West Mamprusi District, Yendi Hospital in the Yendi District, Saboba Hospital in the Saboba/Cheriponi District and Salaga Hospital in the East Gonja District.

The rest are: Bole Hospital in the Bole-Bamboi District, Buipe Hospital in Central Gonja District, Zabzugu Hospital in Zabzugu/Tatale District and the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Alhaji Mustapha Ali Iddris, Northern Regional Minister, who handed over the ambulances to the District Chief Executives (DCEs) of the beneficiary districts, called for regular servicing of the vehicles to enhance their lifespan.

He said the government was committed to providing quality healthcare services to the people adding that the acquisition of the ambulances was to ensure that people did not die at home due to unavailability of means of transport to convey them to the nearest health facility.

The Minister said the size of the Region necessitated the acquisition of more ambulances and urged the Regional Health Directorate to lobby for more to cover all the 18 districts. Alhaji Idris called for effective monitoring of the vehicles to ensure that the drivers and District Health Directors used them for the intended purpose.

Dr Elias Sory, Northern Regional Director of Health Services, expressed appreciation for the gesture and gave the assurance that effective mechanisms would be instituted to ensure the judicious use of the ambulances.