Oyam District Local Government has received a fully equipped Type B ambulance from the Ministry of Health.
The Ambulance number UG 3100193 is part of the fleet procured under the National Ambulance Service procured in September 2023.
It was delivered by Santa Alum, Woman MP for Oyam, on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr Jane Aceng Ocero.
This ambulance is part of the regional ambulance fleet that is coordinated at the Lira Regional Referral Hospital, which will be the regional coordination center. The Lira Hospital Director is requested to work with Oyam District Health Officer, who will assign one of the District Health Professionals to link up with the Regional Emergency Coordinator in implementation of a referral system in the Region,’’ said a letter from the Ministry of Health in Kampala.
Dr. Stephen Malinga, the District Health Officer, welcomed the arrival of the new ambulance, saying that it will improve the referral process. Previously, some referrals were made using motorcycles or private cars, which posed serious risks and delays.
He explained that before receiving this ambulance, the health department operated with only two insufficient ambulances.
The Woman Member of Parliament for Oyam, Santa Alum, said the ambulance is a timely intervention for the community.
She said that she was following up with the Ministry of Health on the upgrade of Anyeke Health Centre IV to a district hospital status.
Patrica Betty Okullu, Secretary for Health in Oyam district local government, encouraged residents to utilize government health facilities.
Oyam District LC5 Chairperson, Benson Walter Dila, called for the responsible utilization of the ambulance. Dila warned that the Ambulance should not be misused for transporting deceased persons.
SOURCE: Uganda Radio Network
