Oïcha Hospital in North Kivu Receives New Ambulance After a Decade

The General Reference Hospital (HGR) of Oïcha, located in the Beni territory of North Kivu, has received a new ambulance, replacing a decade-old vehicle that had become inoperable. The donation was made by the Congolese government via the National Fund for the Reparation of Victims, aiming to bolster emergency care and patient transfers to specialized facilities in the region.

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The government gave us an ambulance more than ten years ago and this old ambulance is now out of order. And here we are receiving a brand new ambulance today, it brings great joy.

Hospital officials expressed significant relief and joy at the arrival of the new ambulance, noting that the previous vehicle, acquired over ten years ago, was no longer functional. Dr. Esaïe Kasereka Nzala, the hospital's director, highlighted that the new ambulance will significantly reduce transfer times for patients requiring specialized care. "In our field of health, a minute saved is a life saved," he stated, emphasizing the critical nature of timely medical intervention.

The Oïcha health zone serves over 354,000 inhabitants and is grappling with violence attributed to ADF rebels, which frequently results in casualties requiring urgent medical attention. Dr. Nzala explained that the new ambulance will expedite the transfer of these victims to appropriate care centers. "This ambulance will allow us to send all these victims to appropriate care as quickly as possible," he said.

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In our field of health, a minute saved is a life saved.

In addition to the ambulance, the HGR of Oïcha also received a substantial consignment of medical materials and equipment. This contribution is expected to enhance the quality of care provided to pregnant women and newborns, further strengthening the hospital's capacity to serve the community amidst challenging circumstances.

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This ambulance will allow us to send all these victims to appropriate care as quickly as possible.