The MEC for Health, Maruping Lekwene. Picture Department of Health
THE DEPARTMENT of Health will introduce toll-free numbers for emergency medical services in the five districts of the Northern Cape in order to improve response times.
Department spokesperson Lebogang Majaha pointed out that callers would be able to utilise the toll-free numbers free of charge.
He added that in the interim, members of the public were encouraged to use the following numbers for emergency medical services (EMS):
He stated that 75 ambulances were providing services in the province on a daily basis.
“To alleviate existing pressures, particularly in rural areas, the department has received the first batch of 11 new ambulances from a total of 22 procured in the current financial year and eight patient transporter vehicles.”
Majaha stated that the by end of December 2024, the department had responded to 94,849 emergency calls, averaging 1,265 calls per ambulance over the period.
“This figure excludes calls handled by private ambulance services and aero-medical services, which are activated as needed.”
He added that the department was finalising the recruitment of 100 additional qualified EMS personnel to strengthen the existing workforce of 693 EMS employees across the province.
“During the 2024 academic year, the Northern Cape College of Emergency Medical Services successfully trained 30 students. This ongoing effort continues into 2025, with a new intake of 30 students, 20 of whom are from the rural Northern Cape. These students will be trained to serve their communities upon successful completion of the programme.”
Majaha concluded by saying that the Northern Cape Department of Health remained committed to enhancing emergency medical services, ensuring communities receive timely and efficient medical assistance.
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