Ambulance service free for Covid patients in Kaithal

We were already providing free service to pregnant women and road mishap victims. Now, we have decided to extend it to Covid patients. SANDEEP SHEOKAND, ambulance driver

KARNAL: Even as the ambulance service providers across country are facing criticism for overcharging patients, members of the private ambulance association of Kaithal district in Haryana have decided to provide free ambulance services to Covid-19 patients. In a meeting of the members of private ambulance association, it was decided that they will provide round-the-clock free travel facility to Covid patients by 15 ambulances from Saturday. “We were already providing free services to pregnant women and road accident victims. Now, we have decided to provide free services to Covid-19 patients,” said Sandeep Sheokand, driver of Balaji Ambulance Services.

He said they have taken the decision following reports that the ambulance drivers are facing criticism as they are making most of the helplessness of Covid patients by charging hefty amounts. Earlier, the Haryana government had fixed rate for ambulances with advance life support system at Rs 15/km while rate of ambulance with basic life support system has been fixed at Rs 7/km. The government has directed the regional transport authorities (RTAS) to slap “minimum Rs 50,000 penalty” on private ambulance drivers or owners if found charging more than the fixed price.