(Jamaica Observer) A high percentage of the ambulances assigned to public hospitals are down and almost out for the count, a probe of the institutions by the Sunday Observer has found.
Some officials say that up to 40 per cent, others cite 50 per cent, of the units are defective, meaning not only those that are in garages, but others that may be drivable, but stand a high risk of breaking down without warning due to lingering faults.
The situation is so bad that even Health Minister Ruddy Spencer has admitted to a chronic shortage, due mainly to mechanical challenges afflicting the units.
However, the senior political official revealed that he was advanced with plans to ease the pain on the system.
