The pre-hospital emergency medical assistance service needs at least 100 ambulances. Of the 355 ambulances used now, 305 are 80% worn-out. According to a study carried out by the People’s Ombudsman Office, the situation is more serious in Buiucani district of Chisinau, where ten ambulances are almost 100% worn-out, IPN reports.

In a press club meeting, head of the Investigations and Monitoring Division of the People’s Ombudsman Office Svetlana Rusu said the ambulances with a high degree of wear pose a threat. The study also showed that 45% of the questioned persons do not know what medical services are covered by the mandatory health policy. A part of them do not go to see a doctor in emergencies as they do not have money. The problems highlighted in the direct discussions with respondents include the acute shortage of doctor, especially in rural areas. A doctor is not present in all the ambulance teams. Only doctor’s assistants often travel to patients by the ambulance.

The low salaries and difficult working conditions are the key reasons why the young specialists do not join the pre-hospital emergency medical assistance system Owing to the poor infrastructure in villages, the emergency medical assistance teams need up to 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach a patient. The absence of street lighting or street name signs is also a problem.

During the last few years, the financing allocated to the pre-hospital emergency medical assistance service had declined, despite the fact that the needs increase because the equipment and ambulances are worn-out and the old buildings are in need of repair. A part of these buildings are not connected to the water supply and sewerage system. In four settlements in southern Moldova, these are not heated in winter.

In this connection, the experts recommend the Government to review the mechanism of allocating funds to the pre-hospital emergency medical assistance service. The Ministry of Health is recommended to work out concrete policies to ensure the security of personnel and to inform the people about the possibility of submitting complaints if they are dissatisfied with the provided medical services.