The Cuban Minister of Transportation, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, has announced the arrival of 50 brand new ambulances purchased by the Ministry of Public Health. This acquisition is part of an initiative aimed at enhancing the country’s emergency medical services.
In a Facebook post, Rodríguez Dávila shared that the ambulances have landed on the island and are expected to be operational in the coming days. Specialists and technicians from MCV Comercial S.A., the supplier within Cuba's transportation network, are currently handling the setup processes.
These ambulances are described by the minister as "modern vehicles" that adhere to international standards for emergency services. They come equipped with essential gear and have provisions for installing additional diagnostic and resuscitation equipment.
According to the head of MITRANS, the ambulances boast significant autonomy, energy efficiency, and are supported by a maintenance service to ensure their continued use.
The vehicles are manufactured by Foton, a Chinese company under the BAIC Group (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co.), one of China's largest commercial vehicle makers.
Rodríguez Dávila noted that while these new ambulances will not fully meet the entire demand, they represent a step forward in improving public health amid the current challenging circumstances.
This purchase marks a shift from recent years when most ambulances joining Cuba’s health system came from foreign donations. Last December, Russia donated three modern ambulances to Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba as part of bilateral cooperation.
The shortage of medical vehicles has been a top concern for healthcare workers and the public alike. In November 2025, CiberCuba reported that due to the transportation crisis, vehicles from ETECSA were being used as makeshift ambulances and even hearses.
Many Cubans have complained about long delays in ambulance arrivals, along with accidents and mechanical failures in the vehicles still in service. This recent purchase stands out as one of the few known state acquisitions for healthcare purposes, contrasting with frequent purchases of buses and cars for tourism and other state entities.
As of now, the authorities have not disclosed the financial investment involved or how the new ambulances will be distributed across the nation.
Key Questions About Cuba's New Ambulance Acquisition
What is the significance of acquiring these 50 ambulances?
The acquisition of these ambulances is significant as it represents an effort to improve emergency medical services in Cuba, addressing a long-standing issue of vehicle shortages in the healthcare system.
Who is the supplier of these ambulances?
The ambulances are supplied by MCV Comercial S.A. and are manufactured by Foton, a Chinese company under the BAIC Group.
How will these ambulances impact healthcare in Cuba?
While not entirely meeting the demand, these ambulances are expected to enhance emergency response capabilities and improve healthcare delivery during a challenging period for the Cuban health system.