Moving Health, a non-profit organization that designs, constructs, and distributes motorcycle ambulances to provide safe and dependable medical transportation in rural Ghana, has announced the release of a new ambulance design.
The organization spent two years gathering Ghanaian user feedback before designing and constructing a vehicle that patients can rely on to transport them to medical care.
The vehicle is a tricycle ambulance, utilizing the most prevalent method of transportation in the country’s rural areas. The design includes a patient stretcher that can be removed, seats for family members and medical staff, and basic life support options.
The new ambulance is Ghana’s first tricycle ambulance, empowering local fabricators and suppliers while also fostering economic development.
To create the finished design, the organization’s manufacturing team in the Sissala East district collaborated with master fabricators in Suame Magazine.
Moving Health launched 5 new redesigned ambulances on Thursday, March 23, to replace current ones used in a pilot in 5 communities: Kong, Sakai, Nagbugubelle, Nabulo, and Bawiasibelle in Sissala East District, Upper West Region of Ghana.
This event was held at the Gateway Hotel.
At the launch were various stakeholders from the community and health sector, including the In-Charges, Midwives, Health Committee members, Opinion Leaders, the National Ambulance Service, the National Fire Service, representatives from the Health Directorates, the Northern Development Authority, and Tumu Deanery Rural Integrated Care.
Emily Young, the CEO and Co-Founder, discussed the progress and impact Moving Health has made in Sissala East over the last two years.
Moving Health finished their pilot in Ghana, where they offered emergency transportation to approximately 10,000 people.
Nearly half of the 270 trips to the hospital were for women experiencing pregnancy-related complications.
Mothers and infants were all saved. These results are consistent with the Ghanaian Ministry of Health’s 2022 goal of improving emergency transportation and, eventually, health care outcomes in the country.
One of the top two reasons people do not receive medical treatment worldwide is a lack of transportation.
Isaac Amoah Quansah, Country Director, then revealed the ambulance’s launch and walked participants through the design process.
A tough, stable tricycle ambulance poised to take on rural Ghana’s rough terrain. A sleek and functional interior with a removable stretcher and seating for up to four people. All products are proudly produced in Ghana, showcasing the country’s creativity, talent, and manufacturing capability.
Stakeholders voiced their appreciation and delight at this innovation.
They praised Moving Health for having a significant impact in the district’s health sector and promised to maintain the redesigned ambulances in the same way they did the pilot.
Moving Health, formerly known as The Okoa Project, has been redefining medical transportation since 2016.
Its mission statement is: “We envision a world that allows every family to be connected to the healthcare they need, when they need it.”