Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Dec 8: In a shocking incident at Udyavar here, a critically ill patient had to be transported to the district hospital in a goods tempo after a 108 ambulance or any private ambulance was unavailable for over two and a half hours.

According to sources, the patient’s family repeatedly called the 108 emergency service from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, but no ambulance was available. Private ambulances too could not be arranged. With the patient’s condition worsening, the family sought help from Vishu Shetty of Ambalpady.

Despite attempts, he too was unable to secure any ambulance. Left with no alternative and with the patient’s health deteriorating rapidly, Vishu Shetty placed a cot inside his goods tempo and rushed the patient to the district hospital, potentially saving his life.

Speaking about the incident, Vishu Shetty said, “For the past one year, 108 ambulances have not been functioning properly. Hundreds of patients have suffered because of this. I have repeatedly brought this issue to the notice of the government, but nothing has changed. In this case too, even after two and a half hours, no ambulance was available. We were forced to use a goods tempo to save the patient. The government and district administration must take urgent measures. People’s lives cannot be neglected. Though Udupi district has 18 ambulances under the 108 service, only five or six are actually available for public use.”

The incident has raised serious concerns about the state of emergency medical services in Udupi district and the urgent need for corrective action.