Alcantarilha || A group of residents from Alcantarilha is pulling out all stops to ensure that the National Institute for Medical Emergencies (INEM) does not remove the only ambulance in the town.
Residents have thus launched a petition against the move and will be hoping to collect many signatures when they present it outside the Algoz monthly market on Monday, July 14, from 8am to 1pm. This follows a 100-strong demonstration at the end of June in front of the fire department of the small town where the ambulance is stationed.
The first warning that the ambulance could be taken away and moved to Albufeira came from the regional union for public sector workers and the commission of patients of Silves last month.
“It is yet another worrying situation, at a time when the quality of the Algarve’s health care is being protested,” union representative Rosa Franco told Lusa news agency. “It makes no sense to take away this ambulance as it is stationed in a strategic location near the Algarve’s EN125 road and A22 highway.”
Silves Mayor Rosa Palma has demanded a meeting with the INEM bosses in order to clarify the situation.
To follow the latest developments of the residents’ struggle, visit www.facebook.com/Savealcantarilhasambulances
