40 new ambulances by end of year

Health Minister Colm Imbert announced that Cabinet has decided to procure 40 brand new right-hand-drive ambulances through the UNDP. This would cost Government US$18.5 million (approximately $400,000 per ambulance), which was a very good price, he said, noting that there were many cars on the road which cost more than that.

These vehicles, which are expected to be in Trinidad and Tobago by year’s end, would provide full life support within a reinforced cabin. He added that the contract would also provide for a two-year maintenance and training programme of this country’s local EHS staff. Imbert said the UNDP rules also ensure that the vehicles must be procured from foreign manufacturers who have local dealerships in Trinidad and Tobago. This means, he said, that the vehicles would come through a local agency which has been awarded the contract through the Central Tenders Board. Imbert said the last 55 foreign-used EHS vehicles which were bought by the last administration had some positive effects but there were also problems. The left-hand drive raised serious questions about safety, the huge engine meant that there were high fuel costs, there was difficulty in obtaining spare parts and the maintenance costs were high, he said. He said the size of the vehicle also proved to be a challenge for negotiating some of the roadways.