MWE Correspondent
Tanzania’s Minister for Health, Mohamed Mchengerwa, has called for greater accountability in the use and maintenance of ambulances, stressing that emergency vehicles must remain operational and ready at all times to ensure patients receive timely care.
Mchengerwa made the remarks on August 23, 2026, during the handover of an ambulance to Kibiti District in the Coast Region, where he emphasized that simply providing an ambulance does not guarantee improved emergency services.
According to the minister, the vehicle must be properly maintained, equipped with essential medical supplies and operated by trained personnel capable of responding effectively to emergencies.
He said emergency medical services require constant preparedness because even a few minutes of delay can determine whether a patient survives or dies.
The minister said the ambulance should therefore be available to respond promptly to patients and accident victims, including pregnant women experiencing complications, children, road crash victims and other patients whose conditions require immediate medical attention.
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Mchengerwa also stressed that every person requiring emergency care deserves professional treatment without discrimination. He urged residents to report any misuse of the ambulance or delays that prevent patients from receiving timely emergency assistance.
He further called on motorcycle riders to comply with road safety laws and regulations, particularly the proper use of helmets.
According to the minister, observing road safety measures is critical to reducing preventable accidents, saving lives and protecting the country’s workforce from injuries and deaths that could otherwise be avoided.
Mchengerwa said effective emergency healthcare depends on cooperation between the Government, healthcare providers and the public. He urged all stakeholders to ensure the ambulance is properly maintained and used strictly for its intended purpose.
The minister said the goal is to ensure that emergency patients are reached without unnecessary delays and receive care safely, professionally and with dignity.
The handover of the ambulance to Kibiti is part of efforts to strengthen emergency medical services and improve access to timely healthcare, particularly for communities that require rapid transportation of patients to health facilities.
