Privitisation of ambulance service not the solution

28 September 2006

Ambulance service,solve not shelve the problem

I refer to your report “Corporatise ambulance services, says MMA” (Star, September 28).

It was shocking though not surprising to know that there is a critical shortage of ambulance in the country. The health ministry is finding it difficult to cope with the increasing demands of ambulance service.

Accidents, which comprise about 5,000 a day, are only part of the medical emergencies, what about the other non-accident emergencies?

The delay in the arrival of an ambulance at the site of an emergency is not a rare occurrence. It is also not uncommon to have an ambulance that is ill-equipped and inadequately trained-staffed to render proper resuscitation to a seriously injured victim in the all important “golden hour”.

At present in all major towns, the all important ambulance service is provided by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, St.John’s Ambulance, the Department of Civil Defense and private hospitals. Within their constraints they are doing a good job but there is a dire need for much improvement in these services.

We are told that the Health Ministry is planning to purchase 800 new ambulances and it is also looking into the possibility of privatizing the ambulance service to make it more efficient Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek admits that the ministry faced a “big problem” with the ambulance services and had proposed outsourcing the services. This is the typical way problem are solved or rather shelved these days – privatization.

The onus of providing an efficient and modern ambulance service throughout the country is on the Health Ministry. Other voluntary bodies may be roped in to help but they alone are responsible to provide this vital service to the people. It should not abdicate its responsibility to the rakyat with its excuse of improving efficiency.

Privatisation may not be the solution to this problem as it would be profit driven and nothing else. Like all other privatized projects, it would not only bring hardship to the people but also be subject to abuse for monitory benefits. Imagine having to pay hundreds of ringgit to transport the sick a few kilometers to the nearest hospital. Who would foot the bill especially in case of road accidents and dire emergencies?.

Purchasing modern ambulances is important but it should also be accompanied by well trained and motivated staff to provide the service with passion and dedication. Without the latter it would a waste of taxpayers’ money to buy expensive vehicles fully fitted with state of the art equipment.

Medical care including ambulance service is a basic right of every citizen and they should be easily accessible at an affordable cost.


Dr.Chris Anthony