The Western Regional Ambulance Service has received a staggering 1,842 distress calls in the past year, including 232 maternal-related cases.
Despite the challenges they face, the service is confident that with the right support and resources, they can exceed Ghanaians’ expectations.
Currently, the service operates with 21 ambulances, although two are undergoing repairs due to mechanical faults.
Western Regional Manager Francis Boakye Manu, highlighted the service’s challenges during a meeting with the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson. These challenges include:
Inadequate office space: The Takoradi Ambulance station, Daboase, and Amenfi Central are operating from the Regional Headquarters due to lack of office space.
Insufficient staff: The service has only 130 staff, with some districts having as few as 4 to 5 personnel, compared to the recommended 12.
Limited resources: The Regional Dispatch Centre lacks necessary facilities, making it difficult to coordinate distress calls efficiently, and administrative operations are confined to a single room.
To address these challenges, the service requires support and resources to improve its operations and provide better services to the community.
Manu, the Western Regional Ambulance Service Manager, appealed to Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, to help address the service’s challenges.
These challenges include securing office accommodation, increasing staff strength, and improving the Regional Dispatch Centre and administrative operations.
The Minister, Mr. Nelson, acknowledged the difficulties faced by the ambulance service and assured them of his support.
He emphasized the critical role the service plays in health delivery and urged the staff to prioritize saving lives above all other considerations.
By Ebenezer Atiemo|ConnectFM|Takoradi
