Bishkek's ambulance fleet gets major upgrade with 60 new vehicles

Bishkek's Emergency Medical Center is on the cusp of a major fleet renewal, with 60 new ambulances set to join its ranks. The center's head, Egor Borisov, announced the significant upgrade via social media, dispelling rumors that existing ambulances were being removed from service.

Borisov clarified that the vehicles seen were part of the new acquisition, undergoing final checks and preparation before hitting the roads. This influx of new ambulances aims to bolster the city's emergency response capabilities, ensuring continued service to the population.

The upgrade comes at a critical time, as the center faces a substantial increase in demand. Annual call volumes to the "103" service are rising by an average of 15 percent each year. Currently, only 42-43 ambulance crews operate city-wide, a number far below the estimated need of 150 crews.

Compounding the issue, the existing fleet is severely outdated, with two-thirds of the vehicles having exceeded their operational lifespan by two to three times. The administrative-territorial reform, which incorporated nearby settlements into Bishkek, has further expanded the city's boundaries and population, increasing the demand for emergency services. The center is now operating with less than a third of its required capacity.

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No. These are 60 new ambulances that we are receiving for work in Bishkek. The equipment is currently undergoing inspection and preparation before transfer. After that, the vehicles will go out on the lines and provide emergency assistance to the population. So, no one has taken the ambulance away anywhere.