The IGSS increases and modernizes its ambulance fleet

A total of 46 new, fully equipped ambulances are part of the reinforcement of the IGSS network of ambulances and land units nationwide.

Guatemala, April 20, 2022. The Guatemalan Social Security Institute (IGSS) acquired and received today 46 brand new factory ambulances, which will be distributed in 38 medical units nationwide, to optimize resources and increase, modernize, and improve the coverage it provides its rights-holders and affiliates in different areas of the country.

All ambulances are TYPE 2, so they have the capacity and equipment for the assisted transportation of emergencies and critically ill patients, as well as for their basic treatment, continuous evaluation, and medical assistance, according to international standards.

32 of the vehicles are of 4x2, and 14 are 4x4s, ideal for locations with dirt roads or roads with more complicated access. These are the first ambulances of the IGSS, which are assembled in the factory as ambulances, with unique specifications for ambulances, rather than vehicles adapted to work as ambulances.

“Before Easter a training course was given to the crews on how to use the ambulances, I remember how excited they all were and that the fleet and their work tools still have to be renewed, of having the opportunity to provide dignified care to patients during the emergencies they have to attend to, you have no idea of their smiles, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Today we are giving you this worthy vehicle, this ambulance that was born as an ambulance in the factory, so that you have this work tool, so that you are worthy but, especially, that we can give our patients the care they deserve. This is the first delivery, but there will be another one, we have not forgotten about the other units for the rest of the country, who we want to specially strengthen,” said IGSS president José Flamenco Jau.

The ambulances, acquired with the technical support of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), within the framework of the Infrastructure, Hospital Equipment and Technological Modernization Program (known as INFRAIGSS), have medical grade internal finishing as well as state-of-the-art equipment, these include automated defibrillators, centralized oxygen system, and cylinder oxygen system for emergency and external use, infusion equipment and supports, among others.

The INFRAIGSS Program includes the second phase of the Master Plan for the Modernization and Expansion of the IGSS Hospital and Services Network to provide comprehensive healthcare and services for the benefit of affiliates, pensioners, and beneficiaries.

“Talking about ambulances means saving lives, at critical times when time, distance, and emergency medical care in the vehicle can mean the difference between life and death. As UNOPS we are deeply satisfied of having participated in this procurement process that contributes to strengthening the IGSS quality healthcare network through the INFRAIGSS program,” said Andrea Calvaruso, Director of UNOPS in Guatemala.

As part of the acquisition, the first six preventive services of the ambulances (up to 30,000 kilometers) are also covered, which guarantees keeping the vehicles in optimum condition.

The INFRAIGSS Program includes the second phase of the Master Plan for the Modernization and Expansion of the IGSS Hospital and Services Network to provide comprehensive healthcare and services for the benefit of affiliates, pensioners, and beneficiaries.