Ageing ambulances ferrying patients in Karnal

The ambulance fleet of the Health Department in Karnal district paints a grim picture of neglect, with ageing vehicles and shortage of staff risking the safety of patients and commuters.

Even as the ambulances are involved in patient care and emergency response, they face severe operational challenges.

As per the data collected by "The Tribune", of the total 29 ambulances in the district, 18 have exceeded the recommended operational life of five years, or 3 lakh kilometres.

Four ambulances each are stationed at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College (KCGMC) and the District General Hospital, while the others are stationed in remote areas, including one each at sub-divisional hospitals at Assandh and Nilokheri, eight at Community Health Centres (CHCs), and 11 at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), serving various purposes, from transporting accident victims to women to their home after delivery.

Sources said the deteriorating condition of the vehicles could render them unusable at any time. “An ambulance that breaks down during an emergency can lead to death. There is a guideline for the operation of ambulances that either they should have completed five years or should have run 3 lakh km. The government should include new ambulances in the fleet across the state as the situation is similar in all districts. The ambulances, which have crossed the recommended period, should be sent to the condemnation board for taking them off the road,” said a staff member.

Apart from the fleet’s condition, a severe shortage of drivers exacerbates the crisis. Of the 90 sanctioned posts of driver, 27 are vacant, and 17 of the 54 Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) posts have not been filled. This manpower gap undermines the efficiency of the ambulances.

The sources said due to the lack of staff, the duty roster could not be implemented and each ambulance could not be available 24x7. “There is a need for complete staff as well as good condition of ambulances to comply with the government’s guidelines of providing 24x7 service,” said an official.

The Civil Surgeon, Dr Lokveer, said they had sent a detailed report regarding the condition of the ambulances and the staff strength to the higher authorities, and were hopeful that things would improve.