It is shocking to note that the 350-bedded South Goa District Hospital (SGDH) is equipped with only two dedicated ambulances at its disposal. As a result of this the hospital which caters to the health care of hundreds of patients depends on the 108 ambulance service catering to the entire district. It is learnt that delay in shifting a pedestrian who met with an accident to the Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim led to the death of the senior citizen. Shockingly, the accident victim was shifted by a 108 ambulance which arrived from Shiroda. Time is of essence in order to shift an accident victim to the hospital for treatment. In times of medical emergencies, ambulance services play a pivotal role in saving lives by providing timely medical care and transportation to hospitals. Ambulance services should be available 24/7. They should also operate in remote areas and provide services to patients who are unable to reach hospitals on their own. It would be prudent to make 108 available at SGDH 24x7 till such time that the hospital gets its dedicated fleet of ambulances.
