Despite Ambulance Company Appeals, ASSE Lifts Suspension on Transport Tender

The State Health Services Administration (ASSE) has moved forward with a controversial tender for patient transport services, lifting the suspension that had been requested by ambulance companies.

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the interruption or delay in contracting generates an operational vacuum in transfers and directly affects vulnerable users

This decision, made despite administrative appeals from firms like Drot and Russomando, highlights ASSE's prioritization of operational continuity and the needs of vulnerable patients. The administration argues that delays in contracting these non-medical transport services could create significant operational gaps, directly affecting those who rely on public health services.

While ambulance companies have voiced concerns about the tender's compliance with regulations and the creation of asymmetrical market conditions, ASSE's resolution emphasizes that the interruption of services would cause "inaplazables needs of the service or cause serious harm." The tender, which aims to cover 24-hour transport within Montevideo, the metropolitan area, and Canelones, is now set to receive bids until May 12.

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We are facing a tender that does not comply with regulations

This situation underscores a recurring tension in Uruguay between ensuring efficient public service delivery and addressing the concerns of established private providers. The inclusion of taxis in a pilot program for patient transport has also drawn criticism, with competitors arguing it distorts the market. From a local perspective, the core issue is ensuring that vulnerable populations receive timely and adequate care, even as the regulatory and competitive landscape of these essential services is debated.

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the same guarantees as current vehicles