The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) plans to make a major shift by taking advantage of advanced technology to improve service delivery.
The ministry plans to phase out ordinary transport to smart ambulances in the near future to get to hard-to-reach remote areas, in addition to coordinated emergency medical response centres.
The ministry oversees 360 healthcare facilities nationwide and has recently acquired 36 ambulances for deployment across various regions.
The ambulances come in response to the public outcry regarding shortages of transport at some health facilities, particularly in remote areas.
These N$32 million ambulances will help improve service delivery, as well as make it more convenient for medical practitioners to access remote locations.
However, the ministry plans to phase out the deployment of ambulances and will establish medical care emergency response centres in all 14 of the country's regions.
Referring to timely healthcare as the difference between life and death, Health Minister Esperance Luvindao said the ministry is committed to ensuring that healthcare facilities are equipped with the equipment and mobility to operate in an effective and timely manner.
"We recognise that, and this is a commitment that we are extending to the Namibian people to say we've heard the cries; we know it does not solve all the problems, but today I am honoured to officially commission these newly procured 36 ambulances, which is a record for us in the past couple of years."
Emergency Care Technician Karien Thierauch stated that the ambulances will significantly enhance healthcare services and their arrival is highly anticipated, given the current ambulances' age and increased maintenance costs.
The ministry is also looking into procuring smart ambulances with features such as 5G, AI emergency care and smart ambulance systems in the near future.
It also wants to tap into air ambulance innovations, which are crucial for transporting patients over long distances and during disasters such as floods, by ensuring timely access to critical care.
These smart ambulances will have the capability to transmit real-time information to doctors, which will allow them to guide and assess paramedics remotely.