Puerto Rico's only active air ambulance company confirmed Tuesday that it will no longer provide emergency transport services to patients in the territory, as it is owed millions of dollars in reimbursement from government agencies, reports ABC News.
Aeromed and Puerto Rico health officials were in talks to resolve government debts owed to the transport company in excess of $4.4 million. The parties failed to come to an agreement.
"We acknowledge the government's fiscal situation...but there is now way we can continue to offer our services with inconsistent payments and fees that are unsustainable," Aeromed director Jose Hernandez said in an official statement.
Puerto Rico Health Secretary Ana Ruis said her department is augmenting land ambulance services, but said it is "extremely important" air ambulance services are reinstated as soon as possible to mitigate patient risks.
A Medicaid funding contract between the U.S. federal government and Puerto Rico stipulates the island operate an air ambulance system.
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