In a significant boost to the country's emergency medical services and delivery, the Ministry of Health has announced the purchase of 114 new ambulances. This significant investment will improve the accessibility and efficiency of emergency care across the country. This investment is in line with President Paul Kagame's promise to Rwandans. The purchase is in addition to the 80 ambulances purchased by the Rwandan government in June.  A further 44 ambulances are on their way.

These 114 ambulances represent a major step forward in Rwanda's efforts to improve emergency medical services. Equipped with the latest medical technology, they are designed to ensure that patients receive timely and effective care in emergencies.

Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health, emphasised the impact of this acquisition on the country's healthcare system. "The introduction of these ambulances will significantly improve our ability to respond to emergencies quickly and effectively. Our goal is to ensure that every Rwandan has access to quality emergency medical care, regardless of their location".

According to the WHO, one ambulance should serve a population of between forty and fifty thousand people in order to respond effectively to emergencies.

In Rwanda, one ambulance serves about 30,000 people. The goal of the Rwandan government is to have one ambulance for 20,000 people. This is a good indicator compared to the WHO standard.

The ambulances used include basic life support and advanced life support (ICU) ambulances, which now number 9 nationwide, and other standard ambulances. 

All ambulances will be upgraded to an internationally recognised EMS (Emergency Medical Services) electronic management system.

Today, it takes at least 15 minutes for an ambulance to respond to an emergency in Rwanda, but this time will be further reduced.

The ambulances received cost around 70-80 million Rwandan francs for the basic life support ambulances and the advanced life support ambulance can cost more than 180 million Rwandan francs depending on the equipment on board.

These ambulances are equipped with high-tech gadgets, including a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour under normal conditions, drunk driving avoidance to prevent accidents, and location information exchange.

The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, reminded that there is a difference between acquiring equipment and using it effectively. He urged ambulance drivers to be cautious and reminded road users to give way to ambulances as failure to do so is an offence punishable by law and is being implemented in partnership with the Rwandan health system and the Rwandan police.