The survey by Twaweza shows that there are major gaps in emergency medical services in Uganda. Only 5% of Ugandans are aware of a toll-free number to call in case of a medical emergency, and even fewer know of an ambulance that they can call to their village.
The majority of people who experience an emergency end up driving themselves, walking, or using a motorcycle taxi to get to a health facility.
The survey also found that when people do arrive at a health facility in an emergency, they often have to wait a long time to be seen. The average waiting time is 43 minutes, and 12% of people reported not being seen within an hour.
This can have a significant impact on a victim’s survival and response to care.
The survey also found that there are distinct inequalities in access to care, with people reporting that they are treated better at private facilities than at public hospitals. This is likely due to a number of factors, including the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the attitude of the staff.
The findings of this survey highlight the need for urgent improvements to emergency medical services in Uganda. The government should make it a priority to increase awareness of the toll-free number and to ensure that there are enough ambulances available to meet the needs of the population.
They should also work to reduce the waiting times at health facilities and to improve the quality of care.
In addition to the government, there are also a number of non-governmental organizations that are working to improve emergency medical services in Uganda.
These organizations provide training to health workers, advocate for better policies, and raise awareness of the issue. Their work is essential to making sure that everyone in Uganda has access to the care they need in an emergency.