The Ministry of Health (MoH) has formally transferred 30 ambulances to the National Ambulance Service (NAS) for refurbishment and integration into the national emergency response fleet, a significant move designed to bolster Ghana’s capacity to respond to medical emergencies across the country. This initiative follows legal clearance from the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, which authorized the MoH to retrieve and assess the vehicles for potential operational use.
The handover, a key component of the Government’s broader strategy to recover and restore available emergency response assets, was conducted at Burma Camp, Accra, by representatives from National Security and the Ghana Armed Forces. A preliminary assessment by the State Transport Company (STC) has revealed that the ambulances require substantial refurbishment to ensure roadworthiness and operational readiness. STC estimates the process will take approximately six months.
At the heart of the event were key figures including Legal Adviser to the Minister for Health, Lawyer Abubakar Mutiu-Rahaman; the Board Chairman of the National Ambulance Service, Nana Baffour Kotei Kutin Sraman II (Bremahene); Dr. (Med) George Kojo Owusu, Chief Executive Officer of NAS, and representatives from National Security. The Ministry presented keys to the vehicles to a representative of National Security, who will oversee the refurbishment process. The Ministry anticipates that the addition of these 30 ambulances will significantly enhance the National Ambulance Service’s capabilities, increasing its capacity to respond to medical emergencies and transport patients safely and promptly throughout the nation.
Experts estimate that the refurbished ambulances will provide a substantial boost to the emergency ambulance fleet, enhancing the Service’s ability to handle a greater volume of critical patient care. This initiative is a critical step in strengthening Ghana’s overall emergency medical response system, maximizing available public assets, and expanding the capacity of the National Ambulance Service to deliver timely pre-hospital emergency care to communities across the country. The Ministry plans to continue monitoring the progress of the refurbishment and deployment.
This action represents a vital investment in the health and safety of the nation, ensuring that critical medical assistance is readily available when needed. The project’s success will be closely monitored by stakeholders across all sectors of the healthcare system. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of ensuring the ambulances meet rigorous safety standards prior to deployment. The total cost of the refurbishment and integration is estimated to be approximately 15 million dollars, funded through a combination of government resources and international aid.
Furthermore, the handover is a testament to the government’s commitment to prioritizing public safety and ensuring a robust healthcare system for all citizens.
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
