L'Hospitalet de Llobregat's dedicated Guardia Urbana ambulance, affectionately known as "La India," has completed its final service, ending over 40 years of emergency assistance in Catalonia's second-largest city. This discontinuation follows the bankruptcy of the service provider and a decision by the local council not to issue an emergency contract.

The ambulance's last journey marks the end of a service that helped save lives for decades. Its future became uncertain after the current contractor, Consorci de Transport Sanitari de Girona (CTSG), faced severe financial difficulties. Workers continued providing services without pay for four months, battling to keep "La India" operational.

"There is no political will for it to continue," stated Jordi García, one of the ambulance technicians. "Despite our proposals, they have closed ranks and now let the service die." García also reported that technicians worked without insurance or a sanitary technical inspection between February and April, learning of this only on 10th April.

First Deputy Mayor Jesús Husillos explained the municipal executive's position, stating that a new emergency tender was not legally viable. "There is no space to enter into any alternative contract," Husillos said in early March. He added, "Legality does not enable us. I understand their concerns, but legally this possibility is not viable, according to our legal services and the council's contracting team."

Husillos further explained that the company, CTSG, is now in receivership. Judicial administrators have decided to liquidate the company because it is not financially viable. The council will collaborate within legal limits to resolve the critical situation for the workers. However, Husillos insisted on the impossibility of re-tendering the ambulance contract. He cited two main reasons: the existing contract, despite its problems, remains active, and a legal issue regarding competence.

SEM Assumes Emergency Service Role

The First Deputy Mayor highlighted that the Sistema d'Emergències Mèdiques (SEM) holds the competence for urgent healthcare assistance across Catalonia. Husillos explained that the SEM did not want the Guardia Urbana ambulance to provide service. Two years ago, the council had to present three reports to the Generalitat to justify the previous tender, arguing there were no incompatibilities.

At that time, the SEM acknowledged an understaffing of ambulance services in L'Hospitalet. Projections indicated that reinforcements would not arrive until spring or summer 2026. "What did we do?" Husillos asked. "We took advantage of this margin and told them, 'If you recognise an understaffing according to your protection, let us maintain the service until at least that full provision of services.'"

Now, Husillos confirms that the SEM has communicated its readiness to expand its services. This means the SEM can assume the number of ambulances it had projected. "The competent authority does not authorise this council to issue another tender," he concluded. Municipal sources confirmed that ambulance services in L'Hospitalet are "absolutely guaranteed." The SEM already operates nine ambulances in the city, increasing to 11 in June.

Opposition Criticises Decision

Opposition parties Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC), Partido Popular (PP), and Comuns held a joint press conference on Friday, 24th April. They denounced the service's disappearance and urged the local executive to take urgent measures to restore "La India." "The PSC justifies 'La India's' disappearance by sheltering behind the incorporation of new SEM vehicles," warned PP spokesperson Sonia Esplugas. She added, "They do not consider that these will not provide exclusive service to the city, unlike the Guardia Urbana ambulance: an evident cut in services to citizens."

Workers, however, have always maintained their service was essential. In March, they reported completing over 1,900 services between April and December last year, plus more than 300 this year. Municipal sources clarified that emergency contracting is only possible for a "real, immediate, and serious risk that prevents processing any other procedure." They stated there is no service interruption, no catastrophic situation, and a public alternative exists with the SEM.

Workers Seek New Employment

The employees who operated "La India" now hope for employment with Falck, a major sanitary transport company. Falck previously managed the Guardia Urbana ambulance before CTSG took over. Jordi García confirmed ongoing conversations with unions. Falck has expressed interest in hiring the technicians when the new SEM ambulance contract comes into force in June this year. However, specific details of the proposal remain unknown.

"We are tired," García stated. "We have fought everything that needed fighting. Now what we want is for this to end as soon as possible." The transition aims to provide a smooth change for emergency services in L'Hospitalet, ensuring continued coverage for its residents.

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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.