the goan I network
MAPUSA
Speaking to media persons outside the District Hospital in Mapusa, 108 Ambulance Service Organisation General Secretary Prasad Naik held the GVK EMRI management responsible for the death of 108 driver Vistar Varadkar (27) of Dhargal, who died of a heart attack.
“Since the last many days, the management has been harassing the staff of 108 ambulance and has been withdrawing leave applications,’ said Naik. “Vistar Varadkar, who lost his life due to a heart attack, was sick for the last many days. When he had sought leave, the officer refused to grant him the leave. The officer ordered him to remain present on duty by taking medicines,” he added.
“On Sunday night, Varadkar’s health deteriorated and he was shifted to Siolim health centre. After the primary treatment, he was sent home. But he was feeling uneasy the entire night and he was then shifted to the District Hospital Mapusa on Monday, but unfortunately breathed his last while undergoing treatment at 9.45 am,” informed Naik.
“After his demise, the management did not permit a 108 ambulance to take the body to Varadkar’s native village in Dhargal,” alleged Naik.
As a mark of protest, the staff of 13 ambulances marched to the District Hopsital at Mapusa and shut down 108 ambulance services for half day.
During the protest, Naik also demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the family of deceased Varadkar and also compensation to 108 staff Mahadev Naik at South Goa, whose death was also being blamed on 108 management.
