By Sheila B. Gashishiri
A modified bicycle has been introduced in Jinja to work as an ambulance to rush patients to hospital.
Arise Africa International, an NGO in Jinja, in co-operation with the district directorate of health services, has come up with the innovation. Practical Action provided expertise through funding from Altrincham Baptist Church in the United Kingdom. A few people were trained at the Nile Vocational Institute in Njeru, and these made the bicycle ambulances.
Mike Wright, the head of the team from Altrincham Baptist Church, said the total cost of one bicycle ambulance is $150 (sh277,500). To him, however, it is priceless.
“It will definitely save many lives,” he said.
Poor transport and ambulatory services have greatly hampered the delivery of quality health care services in the district.
Patients, especially pregnant women in labour, can hardly afford to transport themselves to the nearest health facility to receive medical care. Poor accessibility and lack of public transport affect many areas. Cars are rare and people walk or use bicycles to get around.
The idea was already there – people used to build bicycle trailers to take goods to the market, said one of the people trained to maintain the bicycles. The next step was to adopt them as ‘ambulances’.
The bicycle ambulance is proving very successful. Local specific adaptations to the basic technology ensure maximum efficiency, durability and appropriateness for the community.
“People have appreciated this bicycle,” says Wilson Mwanja, the in-charge at Busede Health Centre III which, together with Mpambwa Health Centre III, were one of the first health facilities to receive a bicycle ambulance in Jinja district.
The two-wheeled trailer is made from moulded metal with standard rubber-tyred wheels. The ‘bed’ section can be padded with cushions to make the patient comfortable, while the ‘seat’ section allows a family member to attend to the patient during transit.
One ambulance trailer costs $70 (sh129,500) and $25 (sh46,250) for the coil shock absorber spring.
In response to user comments, a trailer cover has been designed to give protection to the patient and attendant in poor weather. Made of treated cotton, the cover is durable and water proof. The trailer cover costs $25 (sh46,250). A dedicated bicycle is needed to pull the ambulance trailer using a joining mechanism that can be easily removed and attached. The modified bicycle costs $30 (sh55,500).
“We know that if our poor communities are given even half a chance to save their own lives, they will offer their all and even build better ones for their families for the future,” Mwanja said.
“It may not be the smoothest of rides,” he says, “but she made it to the health facility in a few minutes,” he adds while pointing at a mother who has just delivered.
True, it may not be the fastest or the most comfortable way to travel but in case of medical emergencies, it remains the only readily available means of transportation in Busede sub-county.
“The bicycle ambulance is easy to operate, manage and use. No need for fuelling. You only sign for it at the health facility at no cost and your patient will be delivered to the facility,” said Hassan Ndiko, a beneficiary.
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