A private ambulance service provider has raised concerns regarding the government’s procurement process for ambulance services in Fiji. Azad Ali, the Director of Island Medical Centre in Suva, expressed his frustrations after Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the insufficient number of operational ambulances in the country.
Ali pointed out that the tendering process has been awarded to companies that modified their vehicles instead of those with fully equipped ambulances that meet the needs of the public. He criticized the Ministry of Economy’s procurement team for their lack of understanding of the technical requirements and the essential needs of citizens when it comes to ambulance services.
He noted, “The whole blame for the state of ambulance services in the country solely lies on the procurement department of the Ministry of Economy.” Ali emphasized that his medical center had acquired two state-of-the-art ambulances from Japan, which remain unused because the services they provide were not considered in the tender selection.
Ali welcomed Prime Minister Rabuka’s initiative to establish a National Ambulance Committee aimed at addressing these issues. This aligns with the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of the alarming state of emergency medical services in Fiji, where only 19 ambulances are operational and many major hospitals lack sufficient transport capabilities.
Similar concerns had previously been raised, highlighting the ongoing challenges within the healthcare system, including the inadequate supply and maintenance of emergency services. The government has shown a commitment to addressing these issues, with initiatives to enhance ambulance services further, such as the introduction of new regulations and budgets to equip emergency vehicles with essential medical supplies.
In light of these challenges, there is a growing optimism that concerted efforts by government officials, healthcare providers, and community input will lead to significant improvement in ambulance services across Fiji. The establishment of the National Ambulance Committee is a step towards fostering better communication and understanding of the emergency healthcare needs of the populace, ultimately leading to a more responsive healthcare system.
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