INTRODUCTION

Radio Islam and the Jamiatul Ulama SA have embarked on a project to launch an ambulance service operating in the Johannesburg area. This service will initially offer a basic level ambulance service which will operate on a ‘cost recovery, financial sustainability and not for personal gain' basis. It will be open to all mem-bers of the public not discriminating against anyone based on race, gender, culture, religion or ethnicity. The initiative hopes to alleviate the pressure and complement an already stretched ambulance resource shortage faced in Gauteng.

PREAMBLE

What is the present state of affairs of Ambulance services in the Gauteng province?

Only 36 of 78 ambulances are operational at any given time. There is a shortage of more than 150 Ambulances. The International standard stipulates that an ambulance should respond within 12 minutes to an emergency. Presently South African public ambulances respond to emergencies with a time lapse of between 45 minutes to 1 and a half hours!

What is the solution to alleviate the problem?

The community is caught between the strained provincial service with unacceptable response times on the one hand and the high cost of private ambulance services on the other hand. Therefore the community has a right to a high quality service which will include good response times at a reasona-ble and affordable cost. The project was founded on the basis of the community being constructive in contributing to solutions to the challenges we face as an Ummah.

What are some of the challenges faced with the regular services?

·ð Limited vehicles are operational.

·ð Staff shortages

·ð Only able to respond to 22% of priority one situations within 15 minutes

·ð Call center's understaffed

·ð Equipment at call centres not maintained thus prone to be out of order

Who are the Jamiatul Ulama SA and Radio Islam?

Both Jamiatul Ulama SA and Radio Islam are pioneers in the field of extensive community, educational, welfare, humanitarian, and social projects.

RADIO ISLAM:

Established in 1994 and broadcasting since 1997, Radio Islam is well known in the Greater Johannesburg Metropolitan Muslim community and throughout Southern Africa. Broadcasting on the community radio frequency MW1548, via satellite, and internationally via audio streaming on the internet to a potential 200 000 listeners spanning the globe from Australia in the east to the United States in the west.

Objectives:

·ð The availability of Islam to all via the airwaves.

·ð The physical and spiritual upliftment of humankind.

·ð “Batho Pele”- the policy of People First.

·ð To be of benefit to mankind.

In addition to being fully functional, transparent, and accountable in its core role as a radio station, it has achieved distinction amongst its peers in the fraternity and has won 5 different National awards in the recent past. Radio Islam serves as one of the voices of the Muslim community. It has undertaken various pro-grammes as part of its social upliftment responsibility, amongst them:

·ð Operation Bright Sight – collection of spectacles given to TIBA (Transvaal Indian Blind Association).

·ð Collection of books and clothing given to deserving school children.

·ð Islamic Helpline, a professional counselling service staffed by 22 female volunteers.

·ð Operation winter woollies.

·ð HIV/Aids awareness campaigns.

·ð Serves as a platform for publicizing community events, programs and needs.

JAMIATUL ULAMA SA:

The Jamiatul Ulama SA was established in 1923 and at present has six fully operational branches and six zonal representatives in six of the nine provinces. Following in the footsteps of the pious predecessors (Ulama) *may the Almighty have mercy on them+ who spent their lives serving Islam and the Muslims of South Africa, the Jamiatul Ulama SA continues to strive to serve the community through recognized leadership, uniting, developing, guiding, and representing Muslims. The activities include education, publications, engaging role players, Darul Ifta, electronic media, social welfare, counselling, dawa, safeguarding, propagating the deen and burial services.

How will the Ambulance service be structured?

A seperate committee has been established to oversee the process and activities of the project. The committee is made up of various medical doctors, community leaders, and businessmen. A joint venture initiative between Radio Islam and the Jamiat. The commitment, dedication, and passion of the management team will ensure that the ambulance service is professionally run, adequately staffed, operationally sound and financially sustainable Insha-Allah. A section 21 company has been formed and all the necessary criteria for legislative and statutory requirements will be met.

The Fordsburg/ Mayfair area is strategically located to ensure easy access to the greater Johannesburg region within which the service will operate (see attached map of geographical area of operation). Suitably qualified ILS (Intermediate Life Support) paramedics and call centre personnel have been identified, who will be responsible for the daily activities of the ambulance service. Rescue 786 Ambulance will operate as a fully fledged 24/7 ambulance service. Regular reviews will form the basis of operational adjustments that may occur.

What will be the source of income?

·ð Clients being able to afford the service.

·ð Donations from well wishers (setup costs and monthly debit orders etc) including Zakaat and Lillah.

Rescue 786 Three year Budget:

Income:

Rescue 786 will earn income from the following sources:

• Donations from the community.
• Provision of an Ambulance service to the community.
• Provide a service to special events based on a needs basis.
• Advertising and branding rights.
• Providing first aid training.

Expenditure:

Rescue 786 Expense summary:

What opportunities are there for donors?

·ð Monthly/ quarterly/ yearly donations – both Lillah and Zakaat

NB: PLEASE STIPULATE CLEARLY for ZAKAAH DONATIONS

·ð Donations toward set up costs, which include purchase of vehicle, equipping vehicle, office and related items etc

·ð Taking responsibility for recurring expenses e.g. fuel, disposables in ambulance, salary of a paramedic etc.

Virtues of donating

“The example of those who spend in the path of Allah is like the example of a seed which has 7 ears on it. On each ear there are 100 seeds (total 700). Therefore spending of R1 brings the reward of spending R700.” “Whoever saves the life of one human being it is as if he has saved the life of all mankind.” Al Quran.

What is the Importance of this type of work?

“The creation is like the family of Allah. The best amongst you are those who serve and treat the family of Allah in the best possible manner." “Allah is in the assistance of his servant as long as the servant assists fellow mankind !” - Hadeeth

What are the Future plans?

·ð To expand the fleet and service to other areas

·ð Promote the concept of volunteerism

·ð Educate the community

·ð Offer an advanced level ambulance reaction service

Objectives:

·ð Improve rapid medical emergency response.

·ð The initiative hopes to alleviate the pressure and complement an already stretched ambulance resource shortage faced in Gauteng.

·ð The ambulance service will endeavour to treat Patients with due respect.

·ð Education and empowerment.

·ð Offer a good balance of a high quality service at affordable rates.

·ð “Batho Pele”- the policy of People First - To be of benefit to mankind.

·ð To be a source of mercy and compassion for humanity.

BANKING DETAILS

ACC NAME: Rescue 786 Ambulance Services
BANK: First National Bank, Lenasia
ACCOUNT No: 62307346264
Branch Code: 250 737

Please fax to 011 854 7024/5 or e-mail to: stationmanager@radioislam.co.za - (Include your details for an official receipt) -

CLICK HERE FOR A DEBIT ORDER FORM

Tel: 011 854 7022 (Radio Islam offices) / 011 373 8000 (Jamiatul Ulama SA-Ml Ismail Varachia)

Contact persons:

* Ml Heider Aly Dhorat : 011 854 7022
* Dr Bashir Patel: 072 555 9844
* Dr Yahya Nana: 083 251 1987
* Dr Ebrahim Laher: 082 952 5467
* Br Hisham Bhamjee: 083 625 7340
* Br Haroon Wadiwala: 083 786 2327
* Ml Ismail Varachia: 011 373 8000
* Hafez Abdullah Navlakhi: 083 230 9080
* Ml Sulayman Ravat: 011 854 7022

RESCUE 786 AMBULANCE SERVICES
HOTLINE: 083 9000 786
Section 21 Company Reg No: 2010/008010/08
A Humanitarian Initiative of Radio Islam and Jamiatul Ulama SA

P.O. Box 2580, Lenasia 1820
35 Cuckoo Avenue, Ext 1 Lenasia, 1820

Telephone: 27 11 854-7022 / Fax: 27 11 854-7024