JAMAICA | Opposition Spokesman of Health Dr. Alfred Dawes wants to know the status of the ambulances in the Western Regional Health Authority

Kingston, Jamaica. September 11, 2024: Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, Dr. Alfred Dawes, says he is awaiting a report on the quantity and condition of the fleet of ambulances attached to the Western Regional Health Authority.

In a statement, Dr. Dawes expressed grave concern regarding reports that a recently purchased ambulance at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) has been rendered out of service due to a failure to complete its scheduled maintenance.

Reports are that the ambulance has exceeded 5,000 miles and cannot be driven any further without voiding the manufacturer’s warranty, resulting in it being grounded at the hospital, unable to respond to emergency calls.

"This situation is entirely unacceptable," said Dr. Dawes. "The Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) must confirm or deny these reports and take immediate action to service the ambulance so it can resume its vital role in responding to emergencies."

It is further reported that of the five ambulances stationed at CRH, only one is currently functional for true emergency responses.

This shortage has compounded the difficulties faced by healthcare workers and the public alike, as the lack of available emergency vehicles hampers the hospital's ability to provide timely care in critical situations.

In light of the tragic incident at the Sangster International Airport last week which resulted in the death of an elderly man, 71 year old Leroy Smith, Dr Dawes said the Ministry should focus on maintaining essential; healthcare equipment.

"Instead of casting blame, the MOHW should prioritize the maintenance of essential healthcare equipment, such as ambulances, to prevent any more avoidable delays in emergency responses.

Too often, we are reminded that poor maintenance of vehicles and equipment leads to lives lost and poor medical outcomes", said Dawes.

Dr. Dawes criticized what he described as "misplaced priorities" within the Ministry, calling out the apparent focus on public relations campaigns rather than addressing the real issues affecting healthcare services.

"The lack of emergency services is just another symptom of the deeper problem - a failure to properly maintain the critical infrastructure required for the health and safety of the Jamaican people," he added.

"The people of Jamaica are waking up to this one-trick pony approach of the Ministry. They are demanding what should be simple: service the ambulances. None of us know when we might need one ourselves."

Dr. Dawes reiterated the Opposition’s call for accountability and immediate action to remedy the situation at CRH and urged the Ministry to adopt a proactive approach to vehicle and equipment maintenance across all healthcare facilities in Jamaica.

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