Concern over three Caaguazú ambulances diverted for Itapúa Rally

Doctors in Paraguay's Caaguazú department have voiced concerns over a reduced ambulance fleet, as three vehicles were allocated to cover the Itapúa Rally in Encarnación. This diversion has sparked worries about the potential impact on emergency response capabilities.

Dr. Cristian Vera, director of the 5th Health Region, confirmed the deployment of three ambulances for the sporting event. He stated that the department possesses 18 ambulances across its main health centers, leaving 15 operational for the usual needs of Caaguazú's 22 districts. Vera assured that this reduction would not compromise healthcare coverage, citing the effectiveness of the Central Dispatch Center.

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The existence of the Central Dispatch Center makes it possible that sending these three ambulances for the rally coverage does not affect us.

"The existence of the Central Dispatch Center makes it possible that sending these three ambulances for the rally coverage does not affect us," Vera explained. He added that the remaining 15 ambulances can be dispatched anywhere in the department to transfer patients to facilities offering higher levels of care. "The Central Dispatch Center ensures coverage in all services," he emphasized.

Despite official assurances, the situation has generated unease among patients and healthcare professionals. Ambulance availability is already a challenge in many parts of the country, particularly for urgent transfers. The health region maintains that coordinated dispatch will maintain adequate care despite the temporary reassignment of three vehicles.

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The Central Dispatch Center ensures coverage in all services.