Zomba DHO to withdraw ambulances over fuel hike

Zomba district director of health and social services Alexander Chijuwa says they plan to recall seven ambulances from rural health facilities due to high cost of fuel.

Speaking on Monday during a council meeting, he said following the 25 percent devaluation of the kwacha that led to the hike in fuel prices, the district health management team agreed to recall ambulances from clusters to limit the running fleet and put in place three ambulances to operate during day and two at night.

Chijuwa said the ambulances will now be stationed at Zomba District Health Office premises and will be sent to health facilities upon request.

He said this year’s monthly budget allocation for fuel is at K9.5 million and when fuel was selling at K1 470, it translated into 6 462 litres of diesel and when it went up to K1 920, it translated to 4 947 litres, representing a reduction by 1 515 litres.

“If the current scenario of running seven ambulances in our clusters is maintained, the fuel expenditure is almost doubled and the budget will be exhausted mid-year,” said Chijuwa.

He said the move will cut fuel costs, but will affect service delivery, especially referral of patients and transportation of goods.

Zomba Malosa legislator Grace Kwelepetaof Democratic Progressive Party said the situation was sad.

She said health centres need ambulances within the confines of their facilities to attend to emergencies.

“As legislators, we will push Parliament for fuel funding increment for the health sector,” said Kwelepeta.

Zomba district commissioner Smart Gwedemula acknowledged the challenges, saying he advised the district health management team to meet with other stakeholders to find better ways of addressing the situation.

“Withdrawing the ambulances will worsen healthcare services in the district,” he said.