Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur

Puttur, Jun 8: Dhananjay (36), a resident of Koppalakodi in Kokkada village and owner of a juice centre near Sauthadka, died of a heart attack on Saturday.

According to reports, Dhananjay developed severe chest pain at around 1 am on Friday night. He was immediately taken to the Kokkada Primary Health Centre, where doctors examined him and advised that he be shifted to a hospital in Mangaluru for further treatment.

However, although a 108 ambulance was available at the Primary Health Centre, it was not accessible in time. As a result, family members decided to take him to the hospital in a car. He reportedly suffered a massive heart attack on the way and died before reaching the hospital.

Dhananjay is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The incident has triggered public outrage, with residents condemning the lack of ambulance services during emergencies despite the presence of a well-equipped health centre in Kokkada.

Responding to the incident, administrative medical officer of Kokkada Primary Health Centre, Dr Tushar, said that the 108 ambulance has only one driver who performs duty during the daytime and also responds to emergency calls at night. Since the driver was on leave on the day of the incident, the ambulance service was not available, he explained.