MP Burhan Baran warns of ambulance crisis in İskeçe
Burhan Baran has raised serious concerns over ambulance shortages and emergency healthcare deficiencies in İskeçe, warning that ongoing failures in the regional health system are putting citizens’ lives at risk.
In a strongly worded statement, the İskeçe MP said he has repeatedly brought healthcare problems in the region before the Greek parliament through parliamentary questions submitted both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ambulance Delays Becoming a Chronic Problem
Baran argued that ambulance shortages became significantly worse after the regional EKAB emergency coordination system was administratively linked to Alexandroupoli.
According to the lawmaker, residents frequently face situations where no ambulance is immediately available, while the limited number of emergency vehicles operating at İskeçe General Hospital causes severe delays in urgent medical cases.
He recalled that during the coronavirus pandemic, some patients had to be transported in pickup trucks or private vehicles due to the lack of ambulances, while others were forced to pay high fees for private emergency transport services.
Emergency Incident in Ketenlik Raises Alarm
Baran said a recent incident in Ketenlik highlighted the seriousness of the situation.
According to information shared by the patient’s relatives, an ambulance responding to a citizen suffering from heart-related problems arrived with only the driver on board and without any medical staff or doctor capable of providing emergency treatment.
The ambulance reportedly lacked the necessary oxygen support equipment, and the patient was transported to hospital without receiving immediate medical intervention.
“As a doctor, I must stress the seriousness of such cases,” Baran stated. “Timely and proper intervention saves lives. The inability to provide necessary medical support places human life at serious risk.”
Calls for Immediate Healthcare Reform
The opposition MP said healthcare deficiencies in the region have consistently been raised both through parliamentary initiatives and direct meetings with relevant authorities, yet systemic problems remain unresolved.
Baran emphasized that many similar incidents never become public despite occurring almost daily across the region.
He pledged that opposition lawmakers would continue fighting to expose citizens’ grievances and push for solutions to improve emergency healthcare services in Western Thrace.
The statement concluded with Baran wishing the affected citizen a speedy recovery and extending his condolences and support to the patient’s family.
