Ambulances in Bulgaria's Capital Arrive Late in 94% of Calls

Despite the recent replacement of many of the ambulances with newer automobiles, in some parts of Bulgaria obsolete vehicles are still in use, increasing the travel time and costs over expensive maintenance. File Photo

The emergency ambulances in the Bulgarian capital Sofia have arrived late in 94% of the cases or 14 500 times in 2008, according to a report of the National Audit Office.

The auditors further point out that there is an urgent need to establish unified rules of coordination for emergency medical cases and effective monitoring and control.

The Audit Office had listed a total of 21 recommendations for the Health Ministry.

European standards are for 8 to 10 minutes arrival of the ambulance after the call is made. In Bulgaria, an ambulance is considered late after 20 minutes. In addition to Sofia, the northern city of Pleven, is also experiencing serious problems. Traffic jams, poor road infrastructure, improper functioning of the 112 emergency phone line, and wrong addresses are the most frequent causes for the delays.

Despite the fact that the audit notes the recent replacement of many of the ambulances with newer automobiles, in some parts of the country obsolete vehicles are still in use, increasing the travel time and costs over expensive maintenance.

The shortage of emergency personnel is also noted as a serious problem.

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