Many Laudium residents have received with shock, news of the closing of an essential ambulance service that is much needed in the area, more so amongst the poor.
The Laudium branch of Rescue 786 Ambulance Services has discontinued the provision of emergency medical care in the area, without issuing a formal statement as to why their services have been halted.
When the Laudium Sun approached the manager of 786 Ambulance Services in Johannesburg, Ahmed Ismail Mahomed, he said that hopefully the services in Laudium would resume soon, depending on financial assistance. “We do not have funds for another ambulance and the one servicing the Laudium area requires serious repairs. Thus, unfortunately it had to be taken off the road.” He added that no time frame could be given, with regard to the return of the ambulance services.
It is believed that a number of local donors who pledged to financially support the running of the ambulance service in Laudium, when it first launched, have backed out.
Receptionist, Subashini Naidoo (27) told the Laudium Sun that she had tried getting through to the helpline for the 786 Ambulance and it just rang unanswered.
“The last time I phoned 786 Ambulance was in January of this year and it was for my granny who had to be urgently taken to hospital, as she had fallen ill. I phoned in again last Thursday (April 5) to get my granny to the hospital, because she had respiratory problems. I was stunned and couldn't believe it when the emergency line just rang unanswered, continuously. I eventually had to phone Gauteng Ambulance Services for my grandmother to be taken to hospital. I learnt later that the ambulance service is no longer operating in the Laudium area,” said the Taj Street mother.
“This is so irresponsible of them. What if someone is in a life or death situation and requires urgent medical help and depends on their services? They should at least, through the Laudium Sun, have notified the community to keep alternative numbers on hand,” Subashini exclaimed.
Ibraheem Dockrat of Laudium Disaster Management confirmed to the Laudium Sun that he was aware of the 786 Ambulance not operating in Laudium anymore, but added that he didn't know the exact reasons for the suspension.
Local residents requiring ambulance services can contact the following emergency numbers:
Netcare 911 - 082911
ER24 - 084124
Gauteng Emergency Medical Services - 10177
The Rescue 786 ambulance that has been servicing the Laudium area is now undergoing ‘surgery’.
Manager of 786 Ambulance Services, Ahmed Ismail Mahomed in JHB, said the Laudium ambulance needs serious repairs.
Ibrahim Dockrat of Laudium Disaster Management said he was not sure of the exact reason for the suspension.
Irate Taj Street resident, Subashini Naidoo said notices should have been placed in the Laudium Sun, regarding the suspension.