A critically ill 67-year-old man died after getting trapped inside an ambulance whose rear door reportedly jammed at the gate of Satna district hospital, raising serious questions over emergency healthcare preparedness in the district.
The deceased, identified as Ram Prasad, was being referred from the Ramnagar Community Health Centre to the district hospital in a 108 emergency ambulance on Saturday.
Medical emergency turns chaotic at hospital gate
According to family members, Ram Prasad collapsed at his residence in Ramnagar on Saturday morning while warming himself near a fire. He was initially taken to the local Community Health Centre, where doctors provided preliminary treatment and referred him to the district hospital due to his critical condition.
The ambulance reached Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel District Hospital, Satna, but chaos ensued when the rear door of the vehicle allegedly jammed at the hospital gate. Visuals from the spot showed bystanders and hospital staff desperately attempting to force open the door using kicks, punches and tools, while the patient remained trapped inside the ambulance.
The ambulance driver was also seen trying to enter the vehicle through a window as minutes passed without success.
Declared dead on arrival
After a prolonged struggle, the rear door was finally forced open and Ram Prasad was taken out on a stretcher. However, doctors at the hospital declared him dead on arrival.
Following the incident, the district health department stated that the patient had already died before reaching the hospital. However, the circumstances surrounding the delay have drawn sharp criticism from the public and the victim’s family.
Probe ordered amid ambulance safety concerns
Satna Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Manoj Shukla said a notice had been issued to the district coordination officer to fix responsibility and initiate action.
“After the matter came to light, a notice has been served and further action will be taken based on the findings,” he said.
The incident has once again brought attention to the alleged poor maintenance of 108 emergency ambulances in Satna district, with repeated complaints in recent months pointing to gaps in emergency healthcare infrastructure.