THE NORTHERN Cape Department of Health has decided to extend its contract with the South Africa Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS) for the provision of aero-medical services in the Northern Cape, for another six months.

The contract, that was supposed to have ended tomorrow because of cost saving measures, would have left AMS staff members without employment. It is uncertain whether the department still intends handing over the contract to the South African Military Air Wing, as was initially intended.

Spokeswoman for the Department of Health, Lulu Ntsie, yesterday preferred not to comment as to whether the military had the necessary capacity and available resources to take over aero-medical services in the Province as from July 1.
She stated that the department had agreed to extend the existing service contract with the SA Red Cross AMS until the end of the year, Ntsie explained that this decision was taken solely on the basis of ensuring service continuity to the Northern Cape community "This new agreement gives the department an opportunity to finalise the most cost effective option for aero-medical services in the Province." She added that the new service provider would be chosen over the next six months, depending on the outcome of negotiations.

"The department will be considering all options, so that the most cost effective service can be provided without compromising on the quality or standard of services."

Article:           Diamond Fields Advertiser

Date:             29 Jun 2010

Journalist       Sandi Kwon Hoo