The Japanese Ambassador to Uganda Fukuzawa Hidemoto has appealed to beneficiaries of ambulances to make use of them to deliver their intended objective. 

He made the appeal on Friday while handing over 25 Type B ambulances, from the government of Japan to that of Uganda, through the Ministry of Health at the Ministry headquarters in Wandegeya.

“Good maintenance of equipment is very important, the money is coming from taxpayers of Japan, if we see that good maintenance is well done, there will be more projects in Uganda,” said Hidemoto.

L-R; Minster Margaret Mahanga, Hanifa Kawuya and Jane Ruth Aceng listen to Japanese Ambassador Fukuzawa Hidemoto speaking during handover of 25 ambulances to the ministry of health, donated by the Government of Japan in a ceremony held on July 14 in Nakasero. Photos by Alfred Ochwo

The ambulances that will go to 25 constituencies were received by the Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Acheng. 

She explained that these were procured under the Government of Japan Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development Program and donated to the government of Uganda in accordance with the exchange note signed between the two governments.

“We the ministers of health appreciate the government of Japan for supplying us with ambulance vehicles that meet both national and international standards,” said Acheng.

The ambulances will be distributed to 25 constituencies upon conclusion of the distribution list that will be shared as soon as it's approved.

According to the Emergency Medical Services Policy, the ambulances are given per constituency, not per facility. That means it serves a population of 100,000 people.

They are stationed on major highways, and commanded by the emergency medical services command centers that are present in regional referral hospitals. So that at any one time, they are supposed to be working, explained Acheng.

The country has 135 ambulances that meet the standards and have been distributed across the country, 80 of them in constituencies, and 55 at referral Hospital levels, where emergencies go at any one time, she added.