Rwanda has deployed a fleet of 114 brand new basic and advanced life support ambulances across the country to bolster its emergency medical services.
This follows the delivery and deployment of 80 additional ambulances in June 2024.
To enhance first aid accessibility, the Government of Rwanda also distributed 114 first aid kits to various hospitals. The goal is for each first aid station to serve 20,000 people, surpassing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of one station per 40,000 people.
These 114 ambulances are in addition to the 80 that were delivered to hospitals in June 2024 during an event at BK Arena. President Paul Kagame initiated the plan to ensure that emergency aid is sufficient for the population.
Furthermore, the Government of Rwanda plans to provide 40 more ambulances to hospitals in the near future.
All these ambulances are fully equipped to assist patients who need to be transported to hospitals and are outfitted with the necessary technology to perform their duties.
Minister of Health Dr. Nsanzimana Sabin stated that the government’s objective is to provide sufficient emergency services that can assist everyone in life-threatening situations.
He emphasized that Rwanda aims to surpass the WHO’s goal of one ambulance per 40,000 to 45,000 people. Instead, Rwanda’s goal is to have one ambulance service 20,000 people, which exceeds the United Nations health agency’s targets.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Health, the goal is for Rwandan ambulances to reach patients within 15 minutes.
The cost of an ambulance in Rwanda ranges from 70 million to 80 million Rwandan Francs (Frw), with prices reaching up to 180 million Frw depending on the technology involved.
These ambulances have a speed of 80 kilometers per hour and are equipped with technology to prevent impaired driving. They are also designed to provide real-time location information and prevent unauthorized use.
Dr. Nsanzimana urged ambulance drivers to take good care of these vital vehicles and called on other road users to give way to ambulances, ensuring that patients are transported to hospitals promptly.
He warned that failure to comply with these instructions is a crime punishable by law, and those who do not give way to ambulances will face penalties in cooperation with the Rwanda Police.