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After years of complaints regarding the deterioration of the ambulance fleet, shortcomings in service coverage, and delays in medical emergency response, the Cuban government has launched an experimental project to strengthen the ambulance system in Havana.
The Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, reported this Tuesday on Facebook that starting in January 2024, a joint plan began between the Ministries of Public Health and Transport, along with the Government of Havana, to improve patient transport services and emergency care in the capital.
According to the official, the program includes 15 new ambulances acquired through the entity MCV Comercial S.A., which are already in operation.
During the day, 10 ambulances operate, while five units are active at night.
The head of the department claimed that four of these have advanced technical equipment for intensive emergency care, which would allow for a better response in critical cases.
The maintenance of the vehicles, the hiring of drivers, and the operation of the service are managed by the company MCV Comercial S.A. According to Rodríguez, the system has managed to stabilize its functioning after an initial adjustment period, although he did not specify what difficulties were encountered.
For years, the ambulance service in Cuba has faced strong criticism due to the lack of vehicles in optimal condition, delays in emergency response, and the insufficient number of units to meet the growing demand.
There are numerous reports on social media and independent media about cases where critically ill patients have waited hours for an ambulance, while in many hospitals the units are experiencing mechanical failures and cannot operate efficiently.
This new project aims to alleviate part of the problem, although the government acknowledges that there is still much to be done.
The 15 new vehicles are added to the existing ones, but they do not represent a definitive solution to the ambulance system crisis in Cuba.
Rodríguez Dávila noted that the intention is to extend this type of project to other provinces, although he did not provide details regarding timelines or specific numbers of ambulances to be added.
The crisis of the ambulance system in Cuba has led to numerous complaints in recent years, highlighting the precariousness of the health sector on the island.
In November 2024, a father in Santiago de Cuba reported on social media that the Luis Carrión polyclinic required him to find gasoline for the ambulance that was supposed to transport his five-month-old daughter in serious condition.
Due to the lack of fuel in the emergency system, the transfer was only possible thanks to a neighbor who offered their private vehicle. This situation highlighted the dramatic shortage of resources in Cuban hospitals, which not only lack sufficient ambulances but also rely on the goodwill of citizens to meet basic needs.
The issue of the lack of ambulances is not new. In March 2024, a patient admitted to the Clínico de 26 in Havana waited for over two days for an emergency vehicle to take him to another facility for a CT scan.
The delays in service highlighted the severe crisis in healthcare in Cuba, where the lack of supplies, personnel, and appropriate vehicles hampers timely assistance to the sick. In the middle of the same year, the Ministry of Public Health acknowledged that they only had 39.6% of the ambulances needed to respond to the country's medical emergencies.
In addition to affecting the Cuban population, the healthcare system crisis has impacted the tourism sector, which is crucial for the island’s economy. In December 2024, several foreign tourists reported on social media the dire conditions of Cuban hospitals, the shortage of medications, and the difficulties in accessing an ambulance in emergency situations.
The lack of an efficient healthcare service has tarnished Cuba's image as a safe destination, impacting the arrival of visitors and raising concerns among those considering traveling to the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the experimental ambulance project in Havana
What does the experimental ambulance project in Havana consist of?
The experimental ambulance project in Havana involves the addition of 15 new ambulances, equipped with advanced technology, to enhance emergency medical care in the capital. This program is a collaboration between the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Transport, the Government of Havana, and the company MCV Comercial S.A.
How many new ambulances have been added in Havana with this project?
With this project, 15 new ambulances have been added in Havana, four of which are equipped with advanced technology for intensive emergency care.
How will the new ambulance system in Havana be funded?
The funding for the new ambulance system in Havana will be covered by the State Budget, which has sparked criticism over a possible covert privatization of essential public services, since the mixed company MCV Comercial S.A. is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the ambulances.
What are the main problems facing the ambulance system in Cuba?
The ambulance system in Cuba faces issues such as a lack of vehicles in optimal condition, delays in responding to emergencies, and an insufficient number of units to meet the growing demand. These shortcomings have been the subject of criticism and complaints for years.
What impact does the ambulance system crisis in Cuba have on tourism?
The crisis of the ambulance system in Cuba has negatively impacted the tourism sector, as the precarious conditions of hospitals and the difficulty in accessing an ambulance during emergencies have tarnished Cuba's image as a safe destination, raising concerns among potential visitors.
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