Budget Speeches: North West Health to Deploy Over 50 New Ambulances Worth R61 Million

North West MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, has announced the procurement of more than 50 new ambulances valued at over R61 million to boost emergency medical services in the province. Delivering his department’s budget speech at the North West Provincial Legislature today (22 July 2025), Lehari said the vehicles would improve emergency response times and expand lifesaving reach to communities.

The MEC revealed that the ambulances are being procured at a cost of R61,288,080.25. “Previously, the Full Maintenance Lease tender was cancelled in August 2024. However, we moved swiftly to procure 75 red fleet vehicles. This is good progress but not enough to meet the demand,” he told the House.

He said the department is prioritising the finalisation of rollout and deployment of the newly procured ambulances across all four districts in the 2025/26 financial year.

“To ensure that all residents, whether in urban centres or rural communities, receive timely, lifesaving emergency services and dignified forensic support, we are enhancing EMS coordination and dispatch systems to guarantee rapid allocation of resources,” said Lehari.

The MEC further indicated that the department would continue rolling out Forensic Pathology Infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas.

Turning to provincial and central hospital services, Lehari highlighted progress towards preparing facilities for the National Health Insurance (NHI) implementation. “We committed to strengthening hospital services and improving compliance with the Ideal Hospital Realisation Framework. I am pleased to share the progress made under this commitment,” he said.

He emphasised that the department remains committed to enhancing quality health care for all communities in the North West.