Namibia: state air ambulance challenged, MP says Learjet 31 unused since 2003
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Namibian
Opposition MP Nelson Kalangula questions the usefulness of the new state air ambulance, whose Learjet 31 reportedly has not flown since 2003. The health ministry spent about N$500,000 equipping it, executive director Penda Ithindi has confirmed, according to The Namibian.
Namibia's state air ambulance, officially launched in Windhoek, is being challenged by opposition MP Nelson Kalangula, the opposition spokesperson for works and transport. He claims its Learjet 31 has not been in service since 2003 and that it was kept in a hangar after being replaced by a newer aircraft. The Ministry of Health and Social Services, which received the plane as a public asset, spent about N$500,000 equipping it, executive director Penda Ithindi has confirmed.
Kalangula is concerned about operating costs and the ability to serve isolated communities, where several airports lack runway lighting, instrument landing systems and firefighting services. He also calls for helicopters, qualified pilots and medical teams available at night.
Penda Ithindi responds that the aircraft was transferred to the ministry to strengthen emergency medical services and that no state patient will pay for an air evacuation. Evacuations are currently funded by private medical schemes under their own rules, and no agreement has yet been reached with them. A working group tasked with setting up the service is to explore such agreements, starting with the medical schemes for civil servants.
