An ambulance was recently shown, in a video that went viral, being loaded with sacks of cement. The video stirred discussions and raised concerns about related ethical issues in the healthcare system.

The New Times delved into the issue, exploring the broader consequences of such actions and the safeguards in place to prevent similar cases.

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This incident, to which the Ministry of Health responded, issuing a statement condemning the misuse and reiterating the purpose of ambulances as essential vehicles for emergency medical care, happened in Gisagara District.

The Minister of Health, Dr Sabin Nsanzimana, said that the people responsible for the misuse of the ambulance were punished.

Dr Jean Nepomuscene Sindikubwabo, the Head of Emergency Medical Services at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), emphasized the critical role ambulances play, describing them as "mobile hospitals." He said the vehicles are equipped with sensitive and essential medical tools such as emergency oxygen and medicines, that must be protected from contamination.

The incident in Gisagara, where cement sacks were transported in the ambulance, posed a direct risk to these materials, and undermined the ambulance’s readiness for emergencies.

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"What if, on your way, you encounter an accident where people need urgent medical attention? Would you abandon your cargo to act?” Sindikubwabo asked, underscoring the importance of keeping ambulances available all the time.

He pointed out that even after taking a patient to hospital, an ambulance must remain ready to respond to any other emergencies.

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According to reports, the ambulance involved in the incident was delivering the cement sacks to Save Health Centre to support infrastructure rehabilitation. While the intent might not have been for personal gain, Sindikubwabo clarified that misusing ambulances, regardless of the motive, breaches legal and ethical standards, which may lead to serious consequences.

Legal implications

Lawyer Jean Paul Ibambe explained that such actions could be prosecuted under Rwanda’s anti-corruption law, which includes provisions against the misuse of public property. Article 11 of the 2018 law states that using public resources for unauthorized purposes can result in prison terms of five to seven years and fines ranging from three to five million Rwandan francs.

However, Ibambe noted that for a conviction, intent must be established. In the recent ambulance case, the defence could argue that the misuse was for institutional benefit rather than personal gain.

Nevertheless, Ibambe stressed the importance of upholding regulations to maintain public trust and the integrity of emergency services.

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Safeguards and monitoring

To prevent misuse, Rwanda’s ambulances are equipped with GPS tracking systems, speed governors, and cameras. Sindikubwabo explained that these systems, introduced in 2024, monitor the vehicles’ locations, speed, and driver behaviour, including alcohol use.

While cameras are positioned at the front to protect patient privacy, plans are being considered to install rear cameras in a manner that respects privacy while enhancing accountability.

Sindikubwabo underlined the role of the police in monitoring ambulance activities and intervening in cases of suspicious behaviour. He said the introduction of these systems reduced incidents of misuse. He emphasized the need for a cultural shift toward respecting the primary purpose of ambulances.

The Ministry of Health pledged to collaborate with the national police to ensure adherence to regulations and prevent misuse. Sindikubwabo noted that beyond punitive measures and technological safeguards, fostering a sense of responsibility among health workers and drivers is key to achieving long-term solutions.