Ageing fleet, shortage of drivers hit ambulance service in Karnal

Parveen Arora

Karnal, January 29

The Health Department is grappling with a severe shortage of ambulance drivers, aggravating problems in the healthcare system.

23 posts vacant

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• Of 87 posts of ambulance driver, 23 vacant
• 20 of 33 ambulances have either crossed operational age or covered 3 lakh km each

Despite having 87 posts of ambulance driver, 23 are vacant, overburdening the existing drivers. Sources said due to the driver shortage, an ambulance driver had to respond to emergency calls from more than one community health centre (CHC).

Additionally, the ambulance fleet is in a poor condition with most vehicles crossing the operational age. As many as 20 of the 33 ambulances have either surpassed the recommended operational period of five years or have covered around 3 lakh kms each, raising serious concerns about the safety of the vehicles.

Of the 33 ambulances, eight are stationed at Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College and General Hospital, two at sub-divisional hospitals, eight at CHCs, and 11 at Primary Health Centres, along with four mobile medical units, said an official of the department.

With the district already experiencing a shortage of pharmacists, the ambulances are highly dependent on emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Their number is also short, with 17 of the 54 EMT posts vacant.

Locals have urged the authorities to fill the vacant posts and add new vehicles to the fleet.

Health officials are struggling to address the concern. “I have informed the higher authorities about the need for 23 ambulance drivers and new vehicles,” said Gopal Sharma, in-charge of the ambulance fleet. Acknowledging the shortage of drivers, Karnal Civil Surgeon Dr Krishan Kumar said he would check the status of ambulances, especially regarding the conditions of travel of around 3 lakh kms or surpassing the five-year operational period.

Deputy Commissioner Anish Yadav said he would ask the health authorities about the issue and apprise the higher authorities if the problem persists.