By Mabuchi Chunga

Health rights activist George Jobe has expressed hope that a fleet of 41 utility vehicles donation to the Ministry of Health will improve health care delivery.

The Global Fund through the Program Implementation Unit (PIU) on Tuesday handed over 41 vehicles worth K1.3 billion to enhance transportation of health materials for COVID-19, HIV and malaria treatment in all district councils.

Jobe told YFM Online said the vehicles will improve movement of various health related items including officers.

“In terms of mobility we are looking at the ability to carry different health materials such as medicine to hospitals or health facilities within the district.

“But also looking at health personnel they will also have the means to have transportation to carry out the different tasks that require their attention within the districts,” Jobe said.

He further said that the vehicles will indirectly ease the burden on ambulances which have previously been used for such purposes.

Jobe said: “When the utility vehicles are made available officers will use ambulances less because in most cases, we have decried that ambulances have been used as utility vehicles thereby depriving patients of usage so indirectly patients are going to get access to the ambulances in good time.”

However, Jobe called on all the key authorities to ensure they are properly looking after the cars by ensuring their serviced-on time and are being used for the right designated tasks.