The Zambia Medicines & Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has received a new set of 18 ambulances procured through the Community Development Fund (CDF).
The vehicles are part of a total of 36 ambulances that are expected to arrive in the country next month.
Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development Permanent Secretary Nicholas Phiri confirmed the arrival of the 18 ambulances on behalf of the government and ZAMMSA.
Speaking to the media after receiving the ambulances, Phiri reported that ZAMMSA had encountered unforeseen challenges in the shipping of the ambulances, hence the delay in receiving all 36 that were initially expected to arrive this month.
“We wish to report that since the last time we updated the media, we had anticipated receiving 36 ambulances. However, you may be aware that we were constrained by two factors in fulfilling that projection,” Phiri said.
“The first factor was the disruption of the festive season, during which most firms, including the shipping companies, went on recess for the Christmas break. More importantly, there was the situation that developed in one of the neighboring countries through which we shipped these ambulances.”
He further confirmed that the arrival of all 36 ambulances, which were initially set to arrive in the country this month, will be completed by mid-February, with all 156 ambulances still projected to arrive within the scheduled timeframe.
“The flow of the ambulances is still on course, as we had projected that we would have all the ambulances in by March, and we still stand by that commitment. Should there be any developments in the course of duty that suggest otherwise, the nation will be fully informed,” he said.
The government has procured a total of 156 ambulances through the CDF, which will be distributed to various health facilities across the country.