Vigilance checks 108 Ambulances, flags lack of equipment

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Airconditioning, inverters and other necessary equipment like gas cutter, fire extinguishers etc were found to be nonfunctional or outdated.

BK UPPAL, chief director-cumADGP, vigilance bureau

CHANDIGARH: The vigilance bureau, assisted by medical teams from the state heath department, conducted a surprise check of ambulances operating under 108 telephone facility in the state. Vigilance bureau chief director-cum-ADGP, BK Uppal, said, “There were complaints on the poor condition of these ambulances. We decided to conduct a state-wide surprise check.”

“During this special drive, only off-road ambulances were inspected. The air-conditioning system, inverters and other necessary equipment like gas cutter, fire extinguishers etc were found non-functional or outdated in many ambulances. In some cases, the spare tyre was missing. Hygiene was poor,” added Uppal.

He added that the bureau had taken a serious note of the irregularities and a detailed report would be sent to the health department to improve the functioning of 108 ambulance service.

He claimed that in the majority of the cases, drivers and paramedics were not wearing proper uniforms.

“The vans were 8-10 years old and medical equipment was not replaced after the specified prescribed period,” he added.

Uppal added that collapsible stretcher, a necessary piece of equipment, was not in working condition in most ambulances.

“Life-saving drugs and recovery kits were not available,” he added. He added that only one oxygen cylinder was full; the second cylinder was found to be empty. Many vehicles were found without fitness, insurance and pollution certificates.