The controversy over the new fleet of ambulances in the Balearic Islands returned this Tuesday to the plenary session of the Parliament, where the Minister of Health, Manuela Garcia, defended that the vehicles “will not involve any cost overruns”, despite growing criticism from workers and opposition. The councilor assured that the ambulances will be operational “throughout the month of December” in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, a forecast that comes after several units have had to be partially dismantled by exceeding the weight that can drive most health technicians.
Socialist deputy Patricia Gómez asked about the real planning of the implementation of the fleet, denouncing that “contradictory information is offered every week”. García maintained that right now the necessary technical inspections are being carried out and that GSAIB professionals are receiving training to become familiar with the new vehicles, which she described as “more accessible and superior”.
However, the appearance left unanswered the central questions raised by the socialist. Gomez asked directly if it is true that the Govern pays “800,000 euros per month to the owner company, circulate or not ambulances,” a figure that was neither confirmed nor denied by the councilor. Nor did she answer whether the administration will pay a salary supplement to health technicians, now forced to get the C license to drive the new models.
Garcia simply insisted that the ambulances “do not involve cost overruns” and that training to obtain the new driving license should be understood as “an investment”, again dodging the debate on the economic and labor impact of updating the fleet. “It is a qualitative leap, although I do not expect you to recognize it,” he told Gomez, without going into the substance of the issues raised.
The socialist criticized the lack of concreteness of the Govern and accused the councilor of “throwing balls out” and blaming external factors for her “inoperability”. Meanwhile, health technicians continue to demand transparency, legal certainty and clarity about the conditions under which the new vehicles will have to operate in all the territories, including Ibiza, where the service is essential for urgent care.
