Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has announced that the National Ambulance Dispatch Centre is nearing completion following President William Ruto’s announcement that it would be launched by the end of July.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 24, seen by this publication, Duale said 107 ambulances have already met the standards required for utilisation under the programme.

The CS also confirmed that operational testing of the dispatch centre is underway, with systems already installed and 40 trained dispatch personnel prepared to support call-centre operations, after a consultative meeting with health officials, including Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni and Social Health Authority (SHA) Chief Executive Officer Mercy Mwangangi.

“The Dispatch Centre is nearing completion, with systems installed and operational testing underway, while 40 trained dispatch personnel are ready to support call-centre operations. Ambulance empanelment is also progressing well, with 107 ambulances already meeting the required standards,” the statement read.

📌 What You Need to Know

Additionally, the meeting assessed readiness for the rollout of the proposed SHA 112 Lifeline, which is set to become the country’s national emergency-response service, with preparations for ICT infrastructure and communications reported to be at an advanced stage.

Officials approved a nationwide public awareness campaign targeting the media, healthcare providers, county governments, community forums and social media platforms to promote uptake of the service.

Duale noted that final ICT integration, ambulance authorisation and operational testing would be completed before the official launch.

“I noted the significant progress made and emphasised the need to finalise ICT integration, ambulance empanelment and operational testing ahead of launch,” he wrote.

Once operational, the service is expected to enhance emergency response coordination and improve access to timely healthcare across the country.

The President said it will use real-time coordination systems to enable faster ambulance deployment and improved communication between responders and health facilities.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke