Bandipora, Jun 11 (KNO): Residents of Ashtangoo village in north Kashmir's Bandipora district have alleged that an ambulance assigned to a local health facility has been diverted for official and VIP-related duties, forcing patients to depend on private vehicles during medical emergencies.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the residents claimed that the 102 ambulance attached to the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) Ashtangoo remained unavailable for patients for several months, affecting healthcare access in over a dozen villages with a population of more than 30,000.
They alleged that elderly patients, pregnant women and critically ill persons often face difficulties in reaching hospitals, particularly during night hours, due to the absence of a dedicated ambulance.
"We have repeatedly requested the authorities to restore the ambulance to the health centre, but no action has been taken," a local said.
Residents also raised concerns over the functioning of the health centre, alleging that some staff members report late for duty and leave before official working hours.
They claimed that medicines are not regularly available, forcing patients to purchase them from private pharmacies.
Another resident said that while the 108 emergency ambulance service remains available, it is frequently engaged elsewhere, resulting in delays in shifting patients to higher healthcare facilities.
In-charge of NTPHC Ashtangoo, Dr Saboor, confirmed that the 102 ambulance is presently stationed at the office of the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Bandipora.
BMO Bandipora Dr Tahir said the vehicle is being utilised for block-level official work and emergency department-related duties, including accompanying official visits and facilitating VIP movements whenever required.
His statement has drawn criticism from residents, who questioned the use of a patient transport ambulance for administrative purposes.
Locals also alleged that another ambulance attached to the BMO office has remained under repair for a prolonged period, putting additional pressure on emergency transport services in the area.
The residents demanded an inquiry into the deployment of ambulances and the functioning of healthcare services at the health centre.
They urged the administration to ensure that the ambulance is restored to the facility so that emergency medical services remain available to patients round the clock—(KNO)