MARGAO
Strange it may seem, but true that an ambulance came in handy for the South Goa district hospital administration to transport linen from the central laundry at the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim to the district hospital.
While the episode has attracted flak from all quarters, the Medical Superintended of district hospital, Dr Rajendra Borkar said the ambulance was used to transport linen as a temporary arrangement as the regular van is lying in the garage for repairs and servicing.
“We have dedicated a van for support system like laundry and other works. Currently that van has gone for repairs and servicing. So, as a stop gap arrangement linen was shifted in the ambulance,” he said.
Dr Borkar further said care was taken to confirm that the second ambulance was available for shifting the patients during the period when the ambulance was used for transportation of linen. “Getting clean hygienic linen from central laundry at GMC is essential for smooth functioning of hospital,” he added.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Sidhesh Bhagat has expressed his grave concern, saying ambulances form a critical component of emergency healthcare and are meant exclusively for saving lives. “The use of such a vehicle for non-medical purposes is highly irresponsible and potentially life-threatening. Every minute lost in emergency response can make the difference between life and death for a patient. Such incidents reflect serious lapses in hospital administration and oversight,” he said.
Bhagat urged the Directorate of Health Services and the Government of Goa to initiate an immediate inquiry and take necessary corrective action to ensure that all ambulances are used strictly for emergency medical purposes. The people of Goa deserve a healthcare system that upholds accountability, efficiency, and compassion. Public resources, especially those meant for life-saving purposes, must never be compromised or misused,” he added.
