An emergency incident which occurred this week in Swakopmund at around 3:00 in the morning brought to light that the Swakopmund State Hospital apparently does not have an available ambulance.

The incident involved a person suffering from severe allergies whose tongue and throat started to swell while he was asleep and his roommate had to call for an ambulance, as the person couldn’t breathe properly. Upon calling the emergency department of the State Hospital, he was informed that the hospital doesn’t have an ambulance available, and he was advised to call the Swakopmund Municipality’s ambulance service.

A possible tragedy was prevented after the Swakopmund Municipality’s ambulance swiftly responded and transported the patient to the State Hospital where he received medical attention. Although the patient’s life was saved, his hardship however did not end there, as there were apparently no rooms available on his admittance to hospital. For the first day and night, he had to sleep on a bed in a corridor and was only placed in a room the following evening. He was dismissed after spending about two days in hospital, and according to him the hospital could not provide him with any medication on his dismissal, as they allegedly don’t have the medication he needs in stock.

Namib Times did contact the Regional Health Director, Anna Jonas in this regard, but no response on the issues was received from her when going to print. On a closer look at the “scene” Namib Times observed at least two State ambulances, seemingly not in running condition, parked outside the hospital.

By Marshallino Beukes