Ambulansya de Paa is but one of many instances showing the inadequacy of pre-hospital care in our country, particularly in GIDAs. As the documentary shows, whether a patient is experiencing an immediate life-threatening disease or a chronic illness, there is a gross lack of adequate systems in place designed to provide them with proper and timely medical care. This is not even to mention the inadequacy of healthcare services once patients get there. Ultimately, this leads to worse outcomes for these patients. This short documentary summarily shows the deficiency in almost all of the essential functions of a responsive ECS as described in the WHO Framework – particularly human resources, functions, and technologies (vehicles, equipment, supplies, and IT); all in the context of the scene, in transport, and once the patient reaches the facility.
This problem not only highlights issues on accessibility and adequacy of healthcare facilities, but the inadequacy of pre-hospital care as well. At the outset, it is easy to say that pre-hospital care undoubtedly improves outcomes for patients. Clearly, if healthcare workers (BHWs, even ordinary community members) are more adept at recognizing when a certain complaint requires medical attention, if these personnel are able to administer basic life-saving interventions or temporizing measures, and if they are supported by a system designed to make more capable services easily accessible, then surely rates of morbidity and mortality, as well as patient satisfaction with healthcare services will improve. However, this is easier said than done, and implementation is a whole other concern plagued with the all-too-real issues of political will, lack of resources, improper resource allocation, and corruption; further complicated by our country’s complex geography.