Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by David Masoeu MPL.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned about the chronic shortage of ambulances in the Free State, despite the Provincial Department of Health’s promise to improve the replacement of ambulances during the current financial year.
According to the Q1 2025/26 report presented to the committee, the Department of Health requires 291 ambulances and 2,328 EMS officials for optimal operation; however, due to budget constraints, it currently has only 149 operational ambulances and 1,523 EMS officials. This, despite the departmental budget of over R14.6 billion, of which R995.8 million is allocated for Emergency Medical Services.
As the Free State Province prepares for the festive season, positioning ambulances along main routes will help ensure timely emergency responses, particularly given the province’s central location and the expected heavy holiday traffic.
The DA has submitted questions through the Legislature for written replies and has raised the issue during the budget vote debates, highlighting the repercussions of the ambulance shortage in the Free State.
The DA will continue to monitor the progress of procuring the required number of ambulances and appointing the required number of EMS officials to ensure that the Free State communities and all citizens passing through the province have access to efficient emergency services.