The
Toyota Landcruiser ambulance donated to Chitambo as a Centenary gift,
in 2008, is said to have made a real difference in terms of
getting people to hospital more quickly, in case of emergency, and
saving lives. However, 'she' is not getting any younger and our
Chitambo partners report that 'she' is now in need of repairs
amounting to 12,500 Kwachas or around £1,250. This more than
the hospital can afford. The ambulance has been lovingly
nurtured by the local driver mechanics, who have kept her going
despite the long distances and rugged terrain involved. They
would like to keep her going as long as possible but, although the
Zambian Government contributes a certain amount to ambulance
servicing, it is never enough.
One
of our stated goals, within Friends of Chitambo, is to help to
support maintenance of this ambulance. Reasons for this
are not hard to see if you watch this short Vimeo video from
Pulse, an organisation which supports better access to maternal and
child healthcare in Uganda and Zambia
(http://pulsevillagetransport.com/): https://vimeo.com/101495779
Village
Ambulances, pulled by bicycles or motor bikes, are certainly valuable
and, as the video shows, they can save lives. However, how much
more so a 'healthy' motor vehicle which can transport an expectant
mother, sick child, trauma victim or other emergency case rapidly to
hospital?
Dr.
Siame, Medical Officer in Charge at Chitambo, has forwarded the
following breakdown of costs:
- Servicing of Injector Pumps..............................................£650
- Fuel to the capital and back..............................................£180
- Labour..............................................................................£76
- Driver's allowance (3 days)...............................................£135
Full
Servicing, including:
- Oil change.......................................................................£54
- New diesel filter/air cleaner...........................................£40
- New oil filter...................................................................£40
- Stabiliser Rubbers...........................................................£50
TOTAL:
…................................................................................£2,500
Friends
of Chitambo is covering the top 4 (£1,041)
We
need your help to raise the remaining £184
PLEASE
HELP US TO HELP CHITAMBO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
To
make a donation, please see our Donations Page on this site, under
Support Us.
Thank
you in anticipation of your help.
