Response to health emergencies for critically sick people has been boosted in Homa Bay after the World Bank donated an ambulance worth Sh8 million.
World Bank under the Transforming Health Programme gave a fully equipped ambulance with equipment including patient monitors, oxygen cylinders, and other life support machines.
The vehicle was donated to the Homa Bay government due to its partnership with the World Bank.
Governor Gladys Wanga, Deputy Oyugi Magwanga, Heath executive Roselyn Omollo, and Chief Officer Kevin Osuri received the ambulance on Tuesday.
Wanga said the ambulance is going to enhance the provision of emergencies to patients who are critically ill in the county.
“The ambulance is significant because it has all the equipment required for a critically ill patient. It’s going to boost referral services,” Wanga said.
Speaking at the county headquarters after handing over the vehicle, Wanga said the county has been having 16 ambulances with only a few in good condition.
The governor said her administration will ensure that the ambulances are re-equipped to improve their functionalities.
She said they are working on modalities to get boat ambulances to serve Lake Victoria islands within Homa Bay.
Some of the islands are Mfang’ano, Kiwa, Rusinga, Remba, Takawiri, Kibuogi and Ringiti.
“The government wants to ensure the ambulances are not just vehicles but they are equipped with proper life support machines. We plan to buy boat ambulances to help our people on islands,” Wanga said.
Magwanga said the ambulances will address various transport challenges faced by patients in the county health sector.
He called for the good use of the ambulances so that residents get services.
“Some illnesses need quick response hence the need for an ambulance. Let’s make good use of the machine to address such emergencies by carrying patients to the required health facilities,” Magwanga said.
Osuri said the ambulance will enable them to reach patients in the county who are unreachable to save lives.
He said Homa Bay is one of the counties whose people still face difficulties in reaching hospitals at the appropriate time when they fall sick due to lack of ambulance.
“Homa Bay still has patients with difficulties in accessing health services in hospitals during emergencies. But we believe the ambulance will enhance access to any patients in the mainland who requires it,” Osuri said.