Ambulance Service Faces Scrutiny Over Inefficiencies

Audit Reveals Major Flaws in Operations, Procurement

A recent audit of the Emergency Medical Aid Service (GMPT) has exposed significant deficiencies in its management, resource allocation, and public procurement practices, prompting calls for immediate action and potential leadership changes.

Audit Highlights Systemic Failures

Vice-Minister of Health, **Laimutė Vaidelienė**, highlighted two years of post-reorganization issues within GMPT. The audit, presented by **Violeta Pamerneckienė**, Head of the Centralized Internal Audit Department, targeted human resource management, property utilization, and internal control effectiveness. The findings painted a grim picture.

“The internal control system is valued in a poor manner.”

Key concerns include unsecured human resource management, inefficient use of property funds, and a lack of clear financial and operational transparency. Transportation services were also flagged for significant drawbacks, with the average vehicle age at eight years and 16 percent older than a decade. The auditor noted a disturbing trend of delayed salary payments.

Management Lacks Strategy, Faces Accountability Questions

**V. Pamerneckienė** pointed out that GMPT operates without a clear institutional strategy, leading to disjointed internal procedures across its branches. The management structure itself contributes to inequality and uncertain responsibilities.

Furthermore, the audit found a high volume of single-supplier contracts in public procurement, raising red flags for potential corruption. Nearly half of procurement processes ended with violations, with nine out of ten public tenders found to have irregularities.

GMPT Chief Outlines Remedial Actions

In response, GMPT chief **Donatas Paliulionis** outlined a comprehensive action plan. This includes restructuring the management, centralizing finance and public procurement, and revising operational procedures by September 30th. He also called for a review of the funding model, stating current allocations do not meet GMPT’s operational costs.

The plan includes improving internal controls, managing document flow, implementing a corruption action plan, and conducting a thorough cost analysis. A review of public procurement processes with a dedicated section is also slated.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability

Lawmakers expressed strong dissatisfaction. **Saulius Čaplinskas** urged a cautious approach, advising against being driven by emotion and advocating for close monitoring of the situation.

Remigijus Žemaitaitis described the audit results as “terrible,” questioning the continued tenure of current leadership and highlighting alleged procurement irregularities, including a specific case involving UAB Martada.

“Today they must be removed from office as a minimum dismissal.”

The Chancellor confirmed that audit conclusions have been forwarded to the Prosecutor General’s Office following concerns raised by **R. Žemaitaitis** and **Linas Korsakienė**, Chairman of the Seimas Committee on Affairs.

Union Voices Patient Care Concerns

The Unified GMP Trade Union stated that employees could no longer remain silent, calling the ongoing reform a “crime against patients and the ambulance.” Concerns were raised about potential shortages of essential resources, impacting the ability to save lives.

The Ministry of Health is considering transferring the transport service to municipalities, but discussions are ongoing due to potential funding issues. The Vice-Minister stressed the importance of a calm, constructive approach to address the identified problems and ensure the service’s effective operation.