MOH to consider buying purpose-built ambulances: Lukanisman

The Health Ministry is willing to consider proposals for purpose-built ambulances for the future, breaking from its long-standing practice of modifying standard vans. 

Addressing the Dewan Negara today, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the ministry’s procurement process for about 925 new Type B ambulances, which began on July 31, saw the ministry adopting a more “open” procurement method. 

“Suppliers are given the option to submit proposals in the form of completely knocked-down (CKD) or completely built-up (CBU) units. 

“All proposals will be carefully evaluated based on the offers submitted and the actual capability of the suppliers to meet the healthcare services needs of the nation,” he added. 

CKD vehicles refer to those purchased in parts and assembled at a local factory, while CBU vehicles are fully assembled before sale, ready for immediate use. 

In a written parliamentary reply to senator Dr A Lingeshwaran yesterday, the Health Ministry said it has never carried out the procurement of purpose-built ambulances such as Toyota HiMedic, Demers Ambulance, and Medix, which are imported from overseas manufacturers. 

Instead, it said all ambulances previously purchased were standard vans that had been modified with the installation of panels, accessories, and related equipment. 

It added that the modification of standard vans into ambulances is carried out by local companies and vehicle workshops with the necessary expertise and approval from the Road Transport Department. 

The vehicles must also undergo inspection and technical evaluation at Puspakom and the Mechanical Services Division workshop of the Public Works Department.

Contractor failed to deliver on time

Meanwhile, in response to the DAP senator’s queries in the upper house today, Lukanisman revealed that the issue of ambulance delivery delays arose due to an appointed contractor’s failure to supply vehicles according to schedule.

The deputy minister said the contract has been terminated as a result, while the ministry is in the process of procuring 91 units of Type B ambulances “outside of contract”, with special approval from the Finance Ministry.

“During the contract period, the contractor had supplied 115 ambulances, consisting of 100 Type A and 15 Type B.

“Based on current records and statistics, a total of 1,773 Health Ministry ambulances are over six years old, with the figure representing 89.8 percent of the ministry’s overall total of 1,975 ambulances,” Lukanisman added.

Type A ambulances are typically used to transport patients with non-serious conditions, while Type B ambulances are for patients experiencing more serious symptoms, as well as first aid and basic monitoring.

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