84 Ambulances operational, 88 await repairs

A recent report says that 84 out of 234 ambulances in Namibia are functioning.


According to the report, 88 ambulances are grounded but classified as repairable, while 26 are permanently out of service and beyond repair. The remaining 36 ambulances were newly procured and distributed to various regions across the country on 2 June to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery. “We are working effectively to fix the 88 that are grounded but repairable to enhance emergency response,” said the health ministry deputy director of plant and fleet management, Erastus Shikemeni.


Maintenance - Shikemeni said the ministry is prioritising maintenance to ensure the fleet can meet the growing demands for emergency healthcare. Many regions in Namibia, particularly remote and rural areas, depend heavily on ambulances for access to timely medical care. In some cases, the lack of a functioning ambulance has meant that patients have to wait hours before reaching a hospital or clinic, often with life-threatening consequences.


“We are working effectively to fix the 88 that are grounded but repairable to enhance emergency response,” Shikemeni said.


The addition of the 36 new ambulances aims to improve emergency healthcare delivery by filling some of the critical gaps, particularly in underserved areas. The ministry assured the public that plans are underway to expedite the repair process and improve overall ambulance availability across Namibia.