Citizens decry unequipped ambulances even as MOH distribute new ones countrywide

By Kurt Campbell

[www.inewsguyana.com] – “All those things (ambulances) good for is to fetch bodies,” one woman could be heard remarking at the handing over ceremony of seven ambulances by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to six hospitals countrywide.

The ambulances were acquired at a cost of $60M from Associated Industries Limited (AINLIM). When asked about the proper equipping of these new ambulances and those already in the system, the Minister admitted that it is an area of concern. He assured that everything is being done to guarantee that this is accomplished.

“You are very right, we need to equip them and some of the things may not even be in the ambulances, they are in particular containers ready to be moved.”

Over the weekend there were reports of an ambulance turning up at the scene of an accident with no medical personnel or medical equipment on board.

“The ambulance turned up on the scene with NO medical person on board, just two hospital porters and the driver. Inside the ambulance, there was no medical equipment or even pain killers.

“Nothing other than an old gurney to fetch the patient, No oxygen tank, No heart monitors, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING,” an eyewitness said.

The Minister when asked about these occurrences claimed he was unaware of such events. He did say however that it is unacceptable and will be investigated.

“I don’t know where this happens, but if it does we have to also look as if it has been resuscitated or rehabilitant the missing equipment… those things should be there it is a matter of management,” the Health Minister said.

Ramsaran sought to boast however of efforts to train personnel to operate on these ambulances. Meanwhile, two equipped ambulances that were given to the GPHC in 2012 by Canada remain parked aback the hospital apparently because it has to get additional parts.

Of the seven ambulances distributed on Monday, January 27, the GPHC received two which now means that the Corporation has four ambulances, even though iNews was informed that one had broken down, which meant that up until Monday only one ambulance is operating at the GPHC.

The other five were distributed to the Charity Hospital, Leonora Cottage Hospital, Forth Wellington Hospital, Port Mourant Hospital and the Linden Hospital Complex, respectively. It is expected to boost the delivery of health care across the country.