Ambulances in the city were grounded this week after petrol cards were stopped and Department of Health vehicles were unable to refuel.
AMBULANCES in the city were grounded this week after petrol cards were stopped and Department of Health vehicles were unable to refuel.
Arrangements were made to supply ambulances with petrol on credit, although it was indicated that garages would have a limit on how much fuel would be provided on credit.
“Ambulances are filled on average twice per shift and we were unable to travel long distances to collect patients as arrangements could apparently only be made in Kimberley to fill up on credit,” ambulance workers stated.
“No notices were issued and we were repeatedly told at the petrol pumps that the cards were declined. Some emergency services workers were unable to travel back and had to stay overnight at guest houses as they were unable to refuel.”
It was indicated that there were three crews operating in Kimberley, while there were supposed to be 16 crews to cover Kimberley and Ritchie.
“On Wednesday there was only one ambulance that had half a tank of petrol, while emergency workers had to sit idle at the base.”
It was reported that ambulances were filled up on Thursday on credit.
“Who knows how long this will last,” emergency workers said.
Northern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Lulu Mxekezo said they had implemented a short-term solution to deal with the challenge of petrol cards for the departmental vehicles.
“We are negotiating with service providers for a long-term solution,” said Mxekezo.
She added that ambulance services were “continuing as planned”.
“The department has put contingency plans in place to ensure continuity of essential services. Furthermore, engagements with the relevant stakeholders are ongoing in order to ensure that these ambulances are operational at all times. All scheduled crews are at work according to the roster.”
