Farmer Dies in Uttar Pradesh After Ambulance Runs Out of Oxygen and Fuel
A 38-year-old farmer from Bareilly, Kuldeep Singh, tragically passed away after a private ambulance transporting him to a higher medical facility ran out of both oxygen and fuel in the Majhola police station area of Moradabad district on Wednesday night. The incident has sparked allegations of medical negligence and raised serious concerns about emergency healthcare services in the region.
Details of the Accident and Initial Treatment
Kuldeep Singh was critically injured on Wednesday evening when a speeding tractor collided with his motorcycle. Following the accident, he was immediately taken to the district hospital for urgent medical attention. According to his family members, the staff at the district hospital refused to treat him, stating that his condition was too severe, and referred him to a higher medical facility in Moradabad city.
In response, the family arranged for a private ambulance to transport Kuldeep Singh. They placed him on oxygen support within the ambulance and began the journey to Moradabad. However, during the transit, the oxygen supply in the ambulance was exhausted, and the vehicle also ran low on fuel, leading to a critical delay in reaching the intended hospital.
Family Allegations and Official Statements
Harvinder Singh, a relative of the victim, provided a detailed account of the harrowing experience. "The staff at the district hospital said Kuldeep was critically injured and refused to treat him. We then booked a private ambulance and put him on oxygen support and rushed him to Moradabad city. On the way, the oxygen ran out, and he died before reaching a hospital. As fuel in the ambulance ran low, the driver took 30 minutes for refueling and sought money from us. We request the SP and the DM to take action against such ambulances," he stated.
In contrast, Chief Medical Superintendent V C Saxena offered a different perspective. He clarified that Kuldeep Singh was brought dead to the district hospital and was not referred to another facility. Hospital staff also sent a police inquiry, and an entry was made in the register around 8pm. Officials further claimed that the family insisted on taking him to another hospital despite being informed of his death.
Police Investigation and Aftermath
Local police authorities have seized the private ambulance involved in the incident as part of their ongoing investigation. The case highlights several critical issues:
- Alleged negligence and refusal of treatment at the district hospital.
- Inadequate emergency medical transport services, including oxygen and fuel management.
- Discrepancies between family accounts and official hospital records regarding the referral and time of death.
The family's plea for action against the ambulance service and a thorough review of hospital protocols underscores the urgent need for improved emergency response systems in Uttar Pradesh. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in rural healthcare infrastructure and the dire consequences of logistical failures during medical emergencies.
