Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Dec 5: The state government’s ‘108 Arogya Kavacha’ emergency ambulance service in Udupi district is facing an acute staff shortage, leaving only 6–7 of the district’s 18 ambulances operational at any given time.
The shortage is particularly severe in the case of drivers (pilots), resulting in delays and difficulties in responding to emergency calls from rural areas of Kundapur, Byndoor, Brahmavar and Hebri taluks.
When launched, the service was considered a lifeline for rural communities, offering timely emergency response and even facilitating several successful deliveries inside ambulances.
Drivers and staff once ensured prompt medical support to economically weaker families. However, delayed salaries and a steady decline in staff strength have crippled what was once an efficient public service.
As per Arogya Kavacha norms, each ambulance must have both a driver and a staff nurse. But currently, many ambulances in Udupi district are run by the driver alone, with no staff available to provide first aid during accidents or medical emergencies, a staff member said.
Udupi district presently has 18 ambulances, 23 drivers and 13 staff nurses. Earlier, the service operated with two 12-hour shifts. But since January, it has switched to three 8-hour shifts—6 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 10 pm and 10 pm to 6 am. Due to leave and other factors, only 6–7 ambulances are available for service at any one time.
For the service to function effectively, the district requires at least 40 more staff members and 25 additional drivers, staff say.
Ambulances are stationed in Udupi, Malpe, Kapu, Shirva, Karkala, Ajekar, Hebri, Perdur, Brahmavar, Kota, Kokkarne, Haladi, Siddapur, Aluru, Kollur, Gangolli, Byndoor and Kirimanjeshwar. The Perdur ambulance is currently under repair.
Drivers say the introduction of three shifts has increased strain. In many locations, a single driver must respond alone to emergency calls, as there is no nurse available. Most drivers hail from Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Belagavi and Haveri. With monthly salaries of only Rs 12,000–13,000 — often delayed — many employees are quitting. Poor maintenance support and low wages have worsened the situation, they say.
A proposal seeking the recruitment of additional drivers and staff nurses for the 108 ambulance service has already been submitted to the state government by the district administration. Further action is awaited, according to a staff in the district health and family welfare office, Udupi.