MoH studies need to install dashboard camera on ambulances

MELAKA: The Ministry of Health ( MoH) is studying the need to install dashboard camera on an ambulance to record the action of road users using the emergency lane and obstructing the ambulance route.

Health deputy director-general (Medical) Datuk Dr S Jeyaindran said the initiative was being taken following the action of some selfish drivers that prevented healthcare personnel from providing paramedic emergency treatment to victims as soon as possible.

“We have conducted a trial installation of dashboard camera on ambulances in the Klang valley for a year and we have found a lot of benefits.

“However we have to do a comprehensive study, including the cost that needed to be allocated if the dashboard camera is installed on all ambulances nationwide,” he said at a media conference after opening the Paramedic Emergency Update Melaka’ (iPremium) 2017 seminar here yesterday.

Dr Jeyaindran said the ministry was in the process of adding 400 ambulances with high specification to be distributed nationwide in stages within two years.

He said the ministry also proposed to deploy ambulances outside the hospital area, including at plaza toll, surau and convenience stores in an effort to focus on public places and hence expedite the response time.

“Almost 30 per cent of our ambulances are in the workshops and so we have to purchase new ones at RM400,000 each to meet current needs,” he added. — Bernama