Legislative Electronic Publications -- Twenty New Ambulances To Roll Throughout The Province

Manitoba Government News Release:
Information Services, Room 29, Legislative Building, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V8 Telephone: (204)
945-3746 Fax: (204) 945-3988

May 01, 2003

TWENTY NEW AMBULANCES TO ROLL THROUGHOUT THE PROVINCE
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Bulk Purchasing Initiative Saves $2.4 Million for Patient Care

Provincial upgrading of emergency services in Manitoba continues with the distribution of 20 new ambulances throughout the province in 2003-04.

"Emergency services are a critical component of the provincial health care system and with these additional ambulances emergency services continue to be enhanced," said Health Minister Dave Chomiak.

The additional ambulances are part of a seven-year, $15 million initiative to bulk purchase 160 new ambulances. By making one major purchase, this initiative is saving approximately $15,000 per vehicle. Total savings over the life of the program will amount to $2.4 million.

"By bulk purchasing these ambulances, we can redirect the $2.4 million in savings to patient care," said Chomiak.

The cost of the 20 new ambulances is estimated at $1.8 million with annual operating costs of $400,000. Approximately 15 ambulances will go to rural destinations while five will be distributed in Winnipeg.

The 20 vehicles are in addition to 80 new ambulances purchased by the province over the past two years, 70 of which went to rural and Northern Manitoba.

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