Reactions to use of private ambulances by hospitals
The decision by several hospitals in Athens to contract private ambulance companies to transport patients after the completion of their hospitalization has drawn a reaction from the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Workers (POEDIN) and staff of the EKAV ambulance service, citing an unclear legal framework.
Under a provision of the law, and at the urging of the Health Ministry, hospitals have been entering into contracts with private ambulances on the grounds that the EKAV service has delays. This results in either patients resorting to private ambulances, or hospital beds remaining reserved without medical reason.
However, POEDIN says private ambulances “operate without control, no one knows if they have the right equipment, whether they are staffed with trained, qualified ambulance crews.” Critics also say clinics that need just one ambulance end up having four or five, which they sublet to private individuals.
