Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Politicians and lawmakers have criticised the health ministry’s plans to introduce artificial intelligence ambulance services, saying the focus should be on solving current problems, like medicine shortages.
Former PDM member of parliament Maximilliant Katjimune called on health minister Esperance Luvindao to first deal with the shortage of medicines at public health facilities before thinking about smart ambulances.
Katjimune’s comments come after Luvindao’s statement this week when she unveiled a fleet of 36 new ambulances.
Luvindao had announced that there are plans to upgrade emergency care with 5G-powered, AI-supported ambulances.
“The ministry will soon start looking at the possibility of procuring smart ambulances with a variety of technologies, such as 5G-connected ambulances, which will enable specially designed ambulances to transmit real-time patient data to hospitals, allowing doctors to assess and guide paramedics remotely,” she said.
Luvindao added that AI-assisted emergency care can help with diagnostics, medication dispensing, and patient monitoring while en route to a hospital.
Katjimune said AI ambulances are not a priority right now, given the many issues facing the public health system.
“Our health sector faces insurmountable challenges, and AI ambulances should be the least of our priorities at this point. The minister should rather focus on the shortage of medicines, inadequate and crumbling infrastructure and employing more health professionals to meet the demand of patients,” he said.
He also questioned the funding for such projects.
“Furthermore, what the minister is proposing and the budgetary allocation for the ministry do not correspond. Where will the money for AI buses come from with an already stretched budget? Ministers must consult the available capital before making unrealistic promises,” said Katjimune.
During her maiden speech in parliament, Landless People’s Movement (LPM) member Aina Kodi also raised concerns about the ministry’s focus. She urged the minister to address medicine shortages, staff gaps, and poor infrastructure before introducing digital health systems.
Kodi said that while digital systems are a step forward, the timing is wrong.
“The emphasis on smart systems is a distraction from more pressing needs: hospitals don’t have enough beds, wards are overcrowded, and staff shortages result in long queues and substandard care. Without resolving these structural issues, digital platforms will either be underutilised or fail entirely,” said Kodi.
She added that many rural health centres still lack basic ICT infrastructure, stable electricity, and internet access.
