Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is in the process of receiving 91 Type B ambulances through non-contractual procurement, following special approval from the Ministry of Finance. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni emphasized the gradual distribution of these ambulances to various health facilities due to the pressing need for enhanced public services and emergency facilities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, current records indicate that 1,773 or 89.8 percent of the total 1,975 MOH ambulances are over six years old. The procurement of new ambulances is essential to replace those that are not economically feasible to repair. On July 31, the ministry commenced the acquisition process for an estimated 925 Type B ambulances. The procurement is structured across six zones: Sabah/Labuan, Sarawak, Central, South, North, and East to ensure timely ambulance delivery.

Deputy Minister Lukanisman, responding to a query from Senator Dr. RA Lingeshwaran in the Dewan Negara, highlighted the ministry's adoption of a more open procurement system. This allows suppliers to propose either Completely Knocked Down (CKD) or Completely Built-Up (CBU) units. The proposals will undergo detailed evaluation to ensure they meet the country's health service requirements effectively.

Addressing a supplementary question from Senator Abun Sui Anyit about four-wheel drive ambulances for remote regions, Lukanisman noted that 47 such vehicles are already in operation. He mentioned plans to supply 925 ambulances, including modified four-wheel drive vehicles, prioritizing their distribution to areas like Sabah, Sarawak, Perak, Kelantan, and Johor, which require enhanced mobility for patient transfers. Additionally, the ministry encourages companies with corporate social responsibility programs to contribute ambulances that meet MOH specifications.