Pretoria - Ten new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) stations have been built in Limpopo to render services during the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The provincial Department of Health and Social Development has allocated R399 million to the EMS, which includes R30 million for the purchasing of 60 ambulances and other rescue vehicles.
The new EMS stations have been built in the Mopani, Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Vhembe and Capricon Districts.
Limpopo MEC for Health and Social Development, Miriam Segabutla, said the department has further built and opened two new state-of-the-art communication centres in Capricorn and Waterberg Districts for EMS call taking and call dispatching.
"The number of the ambulance fleet has increased from 488 to 590 in 2010/2011 the department has also procured the services of a helicopter which has been operational since 1 April 2009.
"The staff of emergency care practitioners has increased from 1 229 to 1 505 in 2010/2011," Segabutla said.
She said ambulances will be on standby on all major routes including all five fan parks, hotels and training venues.
