A representative of the Volta Regional Director of the Ghana Health Service, Robert Adatsi has called on the government to consider providing speedboat ambulances to support health care delivery in peripheral communities in the newly created Oti Region.

Mr Adatsi made the call at the handing over ceremony of some 18 ambulances at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council in Ho on Thursday, by the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa.

According to him, a substantial part of the Oti Region is surrounded by water – a situation that puts persons in the peripheral communities in great danger, especially in times of emergency situations.

“Oti Region has about five districts, of which 35% of their population is peripheral communities, meaning that they are surrounded by water. So beyond the ambulances that use the road, we need speedboat ambulances; at least one should be stationed central to Nkwanta South, Krachi East, Krachi West, Jasikan and part of Biakoye.”

Mr. Adatsi added that the current situation is such that referral cases are very challenging and frustrating situation for health care providers.

“I know is a long process but whiles we are embarking on a journey to improving our health delivery system, let’s consider it. If you’re referring a case from Krachi West hospital to Margaret Marquat hospital [Kpando], and you reach the Oti river, you may either have to do emergency crossing -which expensive or you may have to wait until the pontoon comes, a very challenging and frustrating situation for health care providers,” he added.

Mr. Adatsi, who was thankful to government for procuring the ambulances, also asked from government to find an innovative way of financing the services rendered by the ambulances, in order to ensure availability of funds for the management and maintenance of the ambulances.