Tragic Incident Highlights Rural Healthcare Failures in Karnataka

In a distressing incident near YN Hoskote Community Health Center (CHC) in Tumkur district, Karnataka, two children had to transport their deceased father’s body on a motorcycle after being denied ambulance service. The tragedy unfolded when 80-year-old Gudugulla Honnurappa fell critically ill and passed away en route to the CHC.

Despite calling for an ambulance through the 108 emergency service, Honnurappa died before receiving medical care. The family was informed that ambulance regulations prohibited the transport of deceased bodies, forcing them to carry their father’s body 30 kilometers back to their village on a motorcycle.

The incident has sparked outrage over the state of rural healthcare, exposing gaps in emergency services and infrastructure. Tumkur District Health Officer Dr. Shiva Shankar expressed regret but denied negligence, stating that the family chose not to wait for a backup ambulance from Pavagada government hospital.

Local leaders and activists are calling for urgent government action to improve rural healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing that such tragedies are symptomatic of broader systemic neglect. The Karnataka government faces mounting pressure to enhance healthcare facilities and services in remote areas to prevent future occurrences.

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