Starting next week, the Cuban government will deploy 15 brand-new ambulances to serve Havana, aiming to improve emergency medical services in the city. This initiative forms part of an experimental project involving the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), the Ministry of Transport (MITRANS), MCV Comercial S.A., and Havana's municipal government, under the administration of the Integrated Medical Emergency System (SIUM). The announcement was made by Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the Transport Minister, on Facebook.
The state-of-the-art ambulances are equipped with advanced technology, including GPS systems, to enhance the efficiency and safety of medical transportation, according to Rodríguez Dávila. The Ministry of Transport will be responsible for ensuring the availability of the vehicles and adequately trained drivers, while MINSAP will handle the provision of medical personnel and equipment necessary for delivering quality healthcare.
Furthermore, MCV Comercial S.A., a joint venture, will oversee the maintenance and operation of these ambulances to ensure their optimal performance during emergency transfers. The initiative also includes contracting transportation services to enhance the health system's response capabilities in the capital.
This project comes after years of severe ambulance shortages that have left many Cubans without timely medical transport, leading to tragic losses. Last April, the Cuban government signed a contract with MCV Comercial S.A., an authorized Mercedes Benz distributor in Cuba, for the "experimental operation" of these 15 ambulances within the public health system.
In March of that year, a patient at the Joaquín Albarrán Clinical Surgical Hospital in Havana reported waiting over two days for an ambulance to transfer him for a CT scan. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been increased reports of individuals dying after waiting hours for an ambulance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Havana's New Ambulance Initiative
What is the purpose of deploying new ambulances in Havana?
The new ambulances aim to enhance emergency medical services in Havana, improve response times, and ensure efficient patient transport through advanced technology and coordinated efforts among various government entities.
Who is responsible for the operation and maintenance of these ambulances?
MCV Comercial S.A. is tasked with the operation and maintenance of the ambulances, ensuring they function optimally during emergency situations.
How does the current initiative address past shortcomings in Havana's emergency medical services?
By introducing new ambulances equipped with modern technology and improving logistical support, the initiative seeks to reduce the response time and increase the availability of emergency transport services, addressing the shortcomings highlighted during the pandemic and previous years.