Mysore: The state-run ambulance service – 108 which was a significant service introduced for the benefit of rural people during the term of former CM B.S Yeddyurappa lies in pathetic condition owing to poor upkeep of automobiles,wherein its drivers had to ferry the patients in the same condition without a choice.
The ambulance service was quite efficiently till recently, but now lies in deplored state owing to poor upkeep. One is not sure whether the patient reaches the hospital safely in such rickety ambulances.
The rickety ambulances including the medical apparatuses installed in it are not functioning property owing to the poor maintainance by the contractor.
Its mandatory to service the ambulance for every 10,000 kilometers while it has not been done even till its 25,000 kilometers. There is no safety for the ambulance drivers, healthcare assistants and the patients. Five ambulance drivers including a driver from Chamarajanagar district died in road mishaps and the victims family did not get any compensation from state authorities.
It is an irony that the ambulance drivers and staff have no proper housing facility. There are 517 ambulance automobiles in the state, while 100 automobiles breakdown due to poor maintenance.
The most ambitious state project has been awarded to GVK enterprise of Andhra Pradesh to operate the ambulance services. In spite of state has been sanctioning funds for maintenance of ambulances, which are not being properly maintained.
The telecom enterprise has disconnected the connectivity to these ambulances over unpaid bills. The people across the state urge the concerned authorities to take earnest interest in running the ambulance services efficiently.
