The Dominican Republic has significantly expanded its ambulance fleet with the recent acquisition of 200 new vehicles and a donation of 120 from the Chinese government. This move represents a 25% renovation of the country’s ambulance fleet, aiming to enhance emergency medical services nationwide.
The donated and purchased ambulances will be integrated into the National Emergency System (911) and the Extrahospital Emergency Services Agency (DAEH) to expand coverage and improve response times.
Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, and DAEH Director, Retired Major General Juan Manuel Méndez García, received the 120 ambulances from the Chinese government, bringing the total number of ambulances to 667. This substantial increase in emergency medical vehicles is expected to significantly improve the quality and accessibility of pre-hospital care for Dominican citizens.
Retired Major General Méndez emphasized that these new additions will strengthen emergency response capabilities, both within and outside of hospitals. He highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding emergency medical services, noting that the fleet had grown from 413 units in 2024 to 547, and now stands at 667 with the latest donation.
The donated ambulances are fully equipped with essential medical equipment, including ventilators, infusion pumps, and incubators for the safe transport of pediatric patients. This ensures that patients receive the necessary care during transport to the hospital.
The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Minister of Public Health, Victor Atallah, and Vice Minister of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Development, Olaya Dotel, among others.
In mid-December 2024, the Ministry of the Presidency also announced the signing of an agreement with the United States government to expand the country’s video surveillance network implemented at the 911 Emergency System.
The project, part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, aims to install a new wave of surveillance cameras and related equipment across the Dominican Republic. These devices will be strategically placed to provide law enforcement with a more comprehensive view of potential threats.
The surveillance system signing ceremony was led by José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency and Chairman of the 911 System Council; Patricia Aguilera, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy; and Colonel Pilot Randolfo Rijo Gómez, Executive Director of the 911 System.
This collaborative effort between the Dominican government and the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) underscores the commitment of both nations to combating crime and promoting safety.
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Ministry of the Presidency
Ministry of the Presidency
Ministry of the Presidency
23 January 2025