Senior Reporter
The Ministry of Health has provided an ambulance to Mbarara district, aimed at addressing emergency healthcare needs in the area.
Bazil Bataringaya Rwankwene, the Member of Parliament for Kashari north in Mbarara district, highlighted that the ambulance, being new, has the capacity to cater to the entire population of the two constituencies.
Bataringaya clarified that the procurement of the ambulance was a result of lobbying efforts by Mbarara district leaders, Members of Parliament, district local council leaders, and technocrats working collaboratively. He stressed that the ambulance’s primary purpose is to transport sick individuals, not deceased individuals or goods.
With a population exceeding 240,000 people, the ambulance, valued at millions of shillings, is anticipated to enhance healthcare services within the district significantly. Herbert Rutahunga, a councillor representing Rwanyahembe Town council, expressed that the timely access to healthcare facilities has been a longstanding challenge for the community, and the ambulance acquisition is perceived as a substantial improvement, particularly benefiting expectant mothers and critically ill individuals.
Erastas Tugume, the district Assistant Health Officer, representing Dr. Ssebitinde Peter, the District Health Officer, clarified that the ambulance is designated for medical emergency referral services.
During the ambulance handover ceremony, Didas Tabaro Tumwesigye, the Mbarara District chairman, cautioned ambulance drivers against overcharging patients and warned against corrupt practices. Tabaro emphasized that the ambulance’s purpose is to serve vulnerable communities in accessing healthcare and should not be misused for non-essential tasks like transporting commercial goods.
David Muhwezi, the District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), disclosed that it is a government directive for every constituency to have an ambulance. He reiterated the importance of ambulance drivers adhering strictly to their duty of transporting patients, not deceased individuals.
