Social Security $24 million ambulance lease plan

PANAMA’S Social Security System, (CSS) under attack from many quarters over inadequate performance and with its former leaders facing criminal investigation, has taken a new approach for its ambulance services, which has been questionedbefore the deal is consumated.

The institution will lease 97 ambulances for $24 million through a program that will be published in the coming days on PanamaCompra.

Jaime Alemán, national director of health benefits of Social Security, said that that the company that wins the bid will be responsible for the preventive maintenance of the equipment, repairs and registrations, among other responsibilities.

It will also have to provide insurance and provide replacement vehicles the same day in case of an accident or mechanical failure.

Priscilla Vásquez, spokeswoman for the Social Security Association of Employees, said the plan violates the laws regulating the entity, specifically the prohibition of outsourcing services.

The plan is supported by the National Medical Negotiating Commission which was frequently at odds with the previous administration.

Social Security currently has 90 ambulances, but about half of them are obsolete.