It is shocking to see that the ambulance service, which is used in an emergency situation for serious patients and deceased persons, is being used to pick up and drop off staff and doctors for functions and at home. Great job done by the activist in exposing and highlighting the misuse of the ambulance service by the PHC.
Doctors should use personal vehicles and not the ambulance, which is meant for serious patients and deceased persons during emergencies. In case of any emergency, if the doctor and the ambulance are not available, the patient may die on the spot. This raises serious questions about the healthcare system for the common man. There should be a separate vehicle for the transport of materials and doctors or staff. Drivers are being misused by the authorities concerned. Citizens in traffic give way to ambulances, thinking there is a serious patient or deceased person inside the vehicle, which could save someone’s life, but the PHC is indulging in a shameful act for personal gain.
When PHC vehicles exist, why is the burden only on the 108 ambulance service? This is the main reason why ambulances in Goa are not reaching on time and are delayed with various excuses. The Health Minister should look into this matter and ensure that such mistakes and misuse of emergency ambulance services are not taken for granted by the authorities. Remember that the life of a person is important during any emergency—please do not arrive late at the spot when someone’s life is at stake.
Again, the common taxpayers’ money is being wasted on petrol and diesel, not in the interest of the public but in the interest of doctors, nurses, and staff for personal use. This is how the system works in Goa.
