Prime Minister Addresses Ambulance Delays and Announces Interim Solution

Enhancing Emergency Medical Services in St. Kitts and Nevis: Addressing Ambulance Acquisition Delays and Emphasizing Road Safety

The government of St. Kitts and Nevis, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the nation’s emergency medical services. A key component of this commitment involves procuring a new fleet of four state-of-the-art ambulances, a project initially announced in November 2024 and slated for delivery in February 2025. However, due to unforeseen global supply chain disruptions exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the delivery date has been pushed back to October 2024. Recognizing the critical role ambulances play in providing timely medical assistance, the government has been actively pursuing interim solutions to bridge the gap and ensure uninterrupted emergency medical coverage until the new ambulances arrive.

Prime Minister Drew addressed the National Assembly on April 17, 2024, providing an update on the ambulance acquisition process and outlining the government’s strategy to mitigate the impact of the delivery delay. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the global supply chain disruptions, particularly the impact of the war in Ukraine on the availability of essential components required for manufacturing the ambulances. Dr. Drew explained that these unforeseen circumstances have contributed to the revised delivery timeline, now expected in October 2024. While acknowledging the delay, he emphasized the government’s proactive approach in securing an interim solution. This involves procuring four used ambulances, described as being in excellent condition, which are expected to arrive by the end of May 2024. This interim measure aims to bolster the existing fleet and ensure adequate ambulance coverage until the new, state-of-the-art ambulances are delivered.

Collaboration with the private sector has been instrumental in addressing the ambulance shortage. Prime Minister Drew expressed his gratitude to the TDC Group, a local conglomerate, for their invaluable assistance in both the acquisition of the interim ambulances and the repair of existing vehicles. TDC’s support has been crucial in maintaining a functional fleet during this transitional period, reinforcing the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing critical national needs. The Prime Minister underscored the significant financial investment involved in procuring ambulances, emphasizing their essential role in providing emergency medical services. He reassured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring long-term ambulance availability, aiming to eliminate future shortages and provide consistent, reliable emergency medical transport.

Beyond addressing the ambulance acquisition, Prime Minister Drew also highlighted the importance of road safety, particularly in the