Ambulance services in 17 counties do not have enough money to cover expenses in September. Salaries are guaranteed, but there is a lack of funds for fuel, medication, medical supplies, and repairs.
The Ministry of Health is trying to keep the services running with money from a reserve designated for critical situations. However, this solution can only cover immediate needs, and union representatives warn that a budget adjustment is needed for the last three months of the year.
Gheorghe Chiș, the president of the National Ambulance Trade Union Federation, stated to News.ro that issues are present in Argeș, Bacău, Bistrița-Năsăud, Brașov, Brăila, Caraș-Severin, Călărași, Galați, Hunedoara, Ialomița, Teleorman, Timiș, and Tulcea, as well as in other counties.
The budget allocated at the beginning of the year was lower than necessary, so some services transferred funds from subsequent quarters to continue their activities. In August, when union representatives hoped for an adjustment, 17 ambulance services had run out of the necessary funds for September.
"The third quarter is also not covered in these 17 ambulance services with the budget that should have been allocated," said Gheorghe Chiș.
Salaries Covered Until November
Funds for employee salaries are secured until November inclusive. December remains uncovered for now.
The immediate issue is the expenses without which ambulances cannot function: fuel, repairs, maintenance of vehicles and medical equipment, as well as the purchase of medication and medical supplies.
The Federation has informed the Ministry of Health about the situation of affected services and requested an increase in the budget so that they can cover expenses for fuel, repairs, medication, and medical supplies.
For September, the ministry can pay some bills from the emergency fund specifically reserved for such situations. The union leader said that fuel suppliers and repair service providers will be asked to accept payment at the end of the month.
"From the perspective of September, I believe that with the support of the Ministry of Health, we will overcome this crisis period," stated Chiș.
What Could Happen Without Sufficient Funds
The situation could worsen in the fourth quarter as expenses increase with the arrival of winter. Services have only 10% of the budget for the last three months remaining, an amount that must be kept according to the law, but it is insufficient for the entire period.
The Federation is calling for a budget adjustment and is trying to draw attention to the president and political leaders. "We are trying to sensitize the President of Romania, primarily, as we do not have a fully empowered government, and the politicians in Romania, that they need to take action," said the union leader.
If a total financial deadlock is reached, ambulance services will prioritize zero-degree emergencies and red-code cases. Some patient transports and transfers may not be carried out.
"First and foremost, we need to ensure zero-degree emergencies, red-code cases, because there it is a matter of life and death. Unfortunately, other transports and transfers will not be able to be honored," warned Gheorghe Chiș.
He maintains that ambulance services have not faced such a severe and prolonged crisis before without a guarantee that the problem will be quickly resolved.