For years, the Cuban ambulance system has faced harsh criticism due to its deteriorating fleet, inadequate service coverage, and slow response times to medical emergencies. In response, the Cuban government has recently initiated a trial project aimed at enhancing the ambulance services in Havana.
On a Facebook post this Tuesday, Transport Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila announced that a collaborative plan involving the Ministries of Public Health and Transport, along with the Havana government, kicked off in January 2024. The goal is to improve patient transport and emergency care services in the capital.
This initiative includes 15 brand-new ambulances procured through the entity MCV Comercial S.A., which are already operational. Of these, 10 ambulances run during the day and five are active at night. Impressively, four of these vehicles are equipped with advanced technology for intensive emergencies, potentially improving response in critical situations.
Managed by MCV Comercial S.A., the maintenance of the vehicles, driver recruitment, and service operations have reportedly stabilized after initial adjustments, though Rodríguez did not specify the challenges faced. Despite these efforts, the ambulance service in Cuba has long been plagued by a shortage of well-functioning vehicles, delayed emergency responses, and insufficient units to meet growing demand.
Social media and independent outlets are rife with reports of severely ill patients waiting hours for an ambulance, with many hospital units suffering mechanical failures, hindering efficient operations. This new initiative aims to address part of the problem, but the government acknowledges there is still a long way to go. These 15 new ambulances add to the existing fleet but are not a comprehensive solution to the ambulance crisis in Cuba.
Rodríguez Dávila mentioned plans to expand similar projects to other provinces, though he provided no timelines or specific numbers regarding additional ambulances. The ambulance system's crisis mirrors the broader healthcare challenges in Cuba, which have been the subject of numerous complaints over recent years.
In November 2024, a father in Santiago de Cuba shared on social media how the Luis Carrión clinic demanded he source gasoline for the ambulance needed to transport his critically ill five-month-old daughter. With the emergency system strapped for fuel, a neighbor's private vehicle was the only transport option, highlighting the acute resource scarcity in Cuban hospitals. Not only do they lack sufficient ambulances, but they also rely on citizen intervention to meet basic needs.
The ambulance shortage is not a new issue. In March 2024, a patient at the Clínico de 26 in Havana waited over two days for emergency transport to another facility for a CT scan. The delays underscored the severe healthcare crisis in Cuba, where shortages of supplies, personnel, and suitable vehicles hinder timely patient care. Mid-year, the Ministry of Public Health admitted they had only 39.6% of the ambulances necessary for the country's medical emergencies.
Beyond affecting Cuban citizens, the healthcare system's crisis has also impacted the island's crucial tourism sector. In December 2024, several foreign tourists used social media to criticize the dire state of Cuban hospitals, the lack of medications, and the challenges in accessing ambulances during emergencies. The inefficiency in medical care has tarnished Cuba's image as a safe destination, deterring potential visitors and raising concerns among prospective travelers.
Understanding the Ambulance Crisis in Cuba
What is the new ambulance project in Havana?
The new ambulance project in Havana is an experimental initiative by the Cuban government to bolster ambulance services in the capital, involving 15 new ambulances and a collaboration between the Ministries of Public Health and Transport.
Who manages the new ambulance services in Havana?
The company MCV Comercial S.A. is responsible for managing the maintenance of the vehicles, hiring drivers, and ensuring the operational efficiency of the ambulance services.
How has the ambulance shortage affected tourism in Cuba?
The lack of an efficient ambulance service has negatively impacted Cuba's tourism sector, as foreign tourists have expressed concerns about the precarious conditions of hospitals and the difficulty in accessing emergency medical care.