By Wallace Mawire
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has said Zimbabwe is facing a critical shortage of reliable ambulances, putting the lives of accident victims and those in need of emergency medical care at risk.
PAZ National Coordinator, Tafadzwa Goliati said the lack of a reliable ambulance fleet has severe consequences, including delayed medical responses, poor outcomes and increased risk of worsening injuries.
On the consequences of inadequate emergency services, Goliati said:
“The unavailability of ambulances forces emergency responders to rely on makeshift solutions, such as using lorries or private vehicles to transport victims,” he said. Goliati said this can lead to delayed medical attention, increased risk of worsening outcomes, and exposure to further harm due to inadequate care during transportation.
On the root causes of the crisis, Goliati said it is
attributed to several factors, which include
“Insufficient investment in emergency services,
lack of preparedness and resources,
local authorities’ inability to maintain adequate ambulance fleets and private medical services prioritizing their own clientele over emergency responses.”
On the golden hour, : a critical window for survival, Goliati said the first hour after an accident is crucial for providing medical assistance.
Goliati said prompt care during the time can significantly improve survival chances. He however said the lack of a reliable ambulance fleet in Zimbabwe often leads to delayed medical responses, putting accident victims at risk.The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe has urged healthcare authorities and policymakers to address the critical gap in emergency services. Some of the measures outlined by PAZ include investing in a reliable ambulance fleet, improving emergency response preparedness and resources,
developing effective public-private partnerships to enhance emergency services and
ensuring timely medical assistance for those in need.PAZ said the emergency services crisis in Zimbabwe requires immediate attention and action. The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe has called on all stakeholders to work together to address the critical issue and ensure that emergency services are equipped to provide timely and effective medical assistance to those in need.