Media Wire Express Correspondent
The Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Tanga City, Hon. Ummy Mwalimu, has issued a stern warning to hospital administrators nationwide, demanding an immediate halt to the practice of charging patients or their families for the driver and accompanying specialist fees when using ambulances for referrals.
Minister Ummy made this announcement on July 28, 2024, in Tanga, while handing over an ambulance to the management of the Tanga Regional Referral Hospital – Bombo. This vehicle is part of the 736 ambulances purchased by the Sixth Phase Government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
“It is strictly prohibited for any hospital in the country to charge citizens the driver or nurse’s allowances accompanying a patient. Instead, citizens should only contribute towards fuel costs,” emphasized Minister Ummy.
Additionally, the Minister underscored the importance of proper use of these ambulances, prohibiting their use for non-medical purposes to ensure their longevity and continued service in improving referral and emergency services at all levels.
“These vehicles were purchased at a significant cost and must be maintained by setting aside funds for regular service and insurance, as they have been frequently involved in accidents,” said Minister Ummy.
Acting Chief Medical Officer of Tanga Region, Dr. Imani Clemency, noted that with the availability of this service in every municipality, they are poised to enhance referral services, particularly for expectant mothers. They have introduced a toll-free emergency hotline, number 115, which citizens can call to receive prompt assistance.
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The Minister’s directive aims to alleviate the financial burden on patients and their families during medical emergencies and ensure that the new ambulances are used solely for their intended purpose. This move is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of emergency medical services across the country.
Furthermore, Minister Ummy called for the establishment of sustainable funding mechanisms for ambulance maintenance and insurance to avoid service interruptions. She stressed the need for hospital administrators to prioritize the upkeep of these critical assets, ensuring they remain operational and safe for patient transport.
Dr. Clemency praised the government’s efforts in equipping the health sector with essential resources and reiterated the commitment of the Tanga regional health team to uphold the new directives. The introduction of the emergency hotline is part of broader efforts to streamline and enhance the responsiveness of medical services in the region.
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