The Ministry of Health (Minsal) completed this Saturday the delivery of two maritime ambulances in the communes of Quinchao and Quellón, in the province of Chiloé, in order to strengthen healthcare in areas with difficult connectivity. The ceremony, held in Castro, was led by the Undersecretary of Healthcare Networks, Julio Montt, along with regional authorities and representatives of the Chiloé Health Service. The initiative, with a total investment of $1,162 million, was funded by the Ministry of Health and driven by the Chiloé Health Service. Specifically, it involves handing over both vessels to the municipalities through loan agreements, with the aim of "improving emergency response capacity and facilitating patient transfers." The ambulances are equipped with navigation, communication, and maritime safety equipment, as well as clinical devices for the initial care and stabilization of patients, including defibrillators, oxygen therapy systems, and monitoring equipment. Government delivers two maritime ambulances in Chiloé with investment exceeding $1,100 million
Each vessel is 12.2 meters long and can transport two patients on stretchers, along with medical personnel and crew. "With these two ambulances we are strengthening response capacity and taking a concrete step so that the communities of Quinchao and Quellón can access more timely care," said Undersecretary Montt. "Beyond the vessels, what matters is the capacity to respond to emergencies and facilitate medical transfers, because the true value of these ambulances lies not only in their technical features, but in what they will enable us to do for people, with committed and trained human teams," Montt added.
The undersecretary also stated that "without a doubt, we are delivering a concrete solution alternative in service of the community for health emergencies. That is the great task and work we have ahead: to make very good use of them and respond to their needs, because the island population deserves it."
For his part, the acting director of the Chiloé Health Service, Francisco Camilo, highlighted the importance of strengthening healthcare connectivity for isolated localities. "In Chiloé, the sea must not become a barrier to accessing health. These vessels allow us to advance toward equal opportunities for island communities," he said.
The ceremony was also attended by the regional presidential delegate, Cristian Palma; the provincial presidential delegate of Chiloé, Fernando Bórquez; and the Health Seremi of Los Lagos, Fernanda Robles. Government delivers two maritime ambulances in Chiloé with investment exceeding $1,100 million