Kouga Municipality is confronting a dire shortage of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ambulances, which poses a significant risk to residents who rely on public healthcare.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, said that despite healthcare access being a fundamental human right enshrined in the Constitution, the current state of EMS in Kouga falls far short of the recommended standard.
“With over 130 000 people in our municipality, only one or two ambulances are operational each day.
“This stark gap, whereas one ambulance per 10 000 residents is the recommended norm, has left our community in a precarious position when it comes to emergency healthcare,” Bornman said.
He added that this critical issue has not gone unnoticed and that numerous appeals from concerned residents have brought the matter to the municipality’s attention, reinforcing its urgency.
“While healthcare delivery is not a direct municipal function, we are actively engaging the Provincial Government to ensure that this pressing concern is prioritised,” said Bornman.
“I urge all residents to stand united by signing a petition that calls on the Department of Transport and Health to allocate at least eight additional ambulances to our municipality. This intervention will significantly improve emergency healthcare services, ultimately protecting the health and lives of every Kouga resident.
“Together, let us advocate for equitable healthcare access and ensure that this constitutional right is upheld for all.”
The petition is available at all ward offices.
