The 108 emergency ambulance service in Telangana, once a lifeline for medical crises, is now facing alarming delays and service failures. From unanswered calls to abandoned patients, residents are struggling to get timely emergency care. What’s causing this breakdown, and how can it be fixed? Read on to uncover the challenges and solutions.
In Telanagan, the 108 emergency ambulance service, managed by GVK EMRI, has been a critical lifeline for residents during medical crises. However, recent incidents have raised concerns about its reliability and efficiency, prompting a closer examination of the challenges faced by this essential service.
Instances Highlighting Service Gaps
Several distressing episodes have brought the shortcomings of the 108 ambulance service to light:
- Delayed Response Leading to Fatality: A Hyderabad resident recounted a tragic incident where a neighbor attempted suicide. Despite immediate efforts to contact the 108 service, calls went unanswered or were outright rejected. This delay forced neighbors to transport the individual themselves, but unfortunately, the person was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
- Driver Abandoning Patient Midway: In Bhupalpally district, a 108 ambulance driver abandoned a heart attack patient en route to the hospital, citing jurisdictional issues. This act of negligence endangered the patient’s life and led to public outrage.
- Ambulance Shortage: Reports indicate that Telangana is experiencing a shortage of 1800 ambulances. Ideally, there should be 100 ambulance for every 1.5 lakh people, but current numbers fall short, affecting timely medical assistance.
Underlying Challenges
The inefficiencies in the 108 ambulance service can be attributed to several factors:
- Resource Constraints: The state requires at least 1500-1800 ambulances to meet demand, but only about 335 are operational, with many being outdated. This discrepancy hampers the service’s ability to respond promptly.
- Staffing Issues: Many 108 service employees are on contracts, working extended hours for minimal wages. Delays in salary payments further demotivate staff, impacting service quality.
- Operational Limitations: Ambulances are equipped with speed governors limiting them to 70 km/h. Drivers face penalties if they exceed 60 km/h, even in emergencies, leading to potential delays in patient transport.
Public Perception and Trust Issues
The public’s trust in the 108 service has been eroded due to these challenges. Personal accounts highlight frustrations with delayed responses and inadequate assistance during critical times. Such experiences deter individuals from relying on the service, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes.
Steps To Be Take By Government Towards Improvement
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach:
- Resource Augmentation: Investing in additional ambulances and upgrading existing ones can ensure timely responses. Ensuring that the fleet meets the recommended ratio of one hundred ambulances per 1.5 lakh population is crucial.
- Staff Welfare: Improving working conditions, offering competitive salaries, and ensuring timely payments can boost morale and efficiency among ambulance staff.
- Policy Revisions: Reevaluating operational protocols, such as speed limitations and jurisdictional boundaries, can enhance service flexibility and responsiveness.
- Public Awareness: Educating the public on the appropriate use of emergency services and alternative resources can prevent system overload and ensure those in genuine need receive timely assistance.
The 108 emergency ambulance service is a vital component of Telangana’s healthcare infrastructure. Addressing its current challenges necessitates collaborative efforts from the government, service providers, and the community. By acknowledging and rectifying these issues, Telangana can restore trust in its emergency services and ensure that residents receive the critical care they need during emergencies.#Hydkhabar
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Siddharth Anand