Two ambulances with registration numbers MG832AH and MG564AN intended to serve communities on Likoma Island have been out of service for more than five years, raising concerns about access to emergency healthcare in the remote district.Authorities at the Likoma District Health Office have confirmed the development.
Investigations by Malawi24 reveal that the two vehicles are currently parked at the District Health Services Office (DHSS), despite reportedly being in generally good condition and requiring only minor repairs.
Sources at the hospital stated that the prolonged grounding of the ambulances has negatively impacted the delivery of emergency medical services, particularly in remote areas of the island.
“To tell the truth, these ambulances have been grounded for over five years, and we don’t know when they will be fixed,” said one hospital insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
When contacted for clarification, the Director of Health Services for Likoma District, Dr. Gracewell Mathews, confirmed that out of the district’s three ambulances, two are non operational. However, he assured the public that steps have already been taken to address the situation.
“I can confirm that in Likoma District we have three ambulances, and it is true that two are grounded. However, we have already initiated the procurement process to repair them,” said Mathews.
He explained that the process began with an inspection carried out by officials from Mzuzu, which has since been completed.
The procurement stage has also been finalised, paving the way for repairs to commence soon.“Very soon, the ambulances will be fixed and return to the road, while commending the media for verifying information before publication” he added.
Likoma District, located on an island in Lake Malawi, faces unique logistical challenges due to its isolation. Reliable ambulance services are critical for transporting patients between health facilities and for emergency referrals to mainland hospitals.
The absence of functional ambulances for such an extended period has likely placed additional strain on already limited healthcare resources and increased reliance on alternative, often less efficient means of transport.
The district’s healthcare system includes several facilities serving both Likoma and nearby Chizumulu Island Chima Health Centre, St. Mary’s (Chizumulu) Health Centre, a public facility serving residents of Chizumulu Island Yoma Health Centre, Mbungo Health Centre, St. Peter’s Mission Hospital, a 52 bed Anglican Church run facility offering fee-based services while working alongside government health structures, and Likoma Army Dispensary, a specialised medical unit serving defence personnel and surrounding communities.
With the procurement process reportedly complete, expectations are now high among residents and healthcare workers that the long-awaited repairs will finally restore ambulance services in the district.
For a community heavily dependent on efficient medical transport, the return of the ambulances could significantly improve emergency response times and overall healthcare delivery.Malawi24 will continue to monitor developments on the matter.
