AVERTING MATERNAL DEATH AND DISABILITY

- a report published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics (2008) 102, 191–197

Motorcycle ambulances for referral of obstetric emergencies in rural Malawi: Do they reduce delay and what do they cost?

Abstract Objectives:

To assess whether motorcycle ambulances placed at rural health centers are a more effective method of reducing referral delay for obstetric emergencies than a car ambulance at the district hospital, and to compare investment and operating costs with those of a 4 wheel drive car ambulance at the district hospital.

Methods:

Motorcycle ambulances were placed at 3 remote rural health centers in Malawi. Data were collected over a 1-year period, from October 2001 to September 2002, using logbooks, cashbooks, referral forms, and maternity registers.

What are the conclusions, read the full report...