Ludhiana Civil Hospital Ambulance Staff Stage Protest Over Parking Chaos
Chaos erupted at the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana on Thursday as employees of the 108 ambulance service launched a protest against illegal parking outside the emergency ward. The demonstration highlighted a critical issue that has been hampering emergency medical services in the city.
Protest Disrupts Hospital Movement for Nearly an Hour
According to local sources, the protesting employees took drastic action by parking their ambulances at the hospital's entry and exit points. This move effectively blocked movement in and out of the facility for nearly an hour, drawing significant attention to their grievances.
The ambulance staff members alleged that private vehicles and police cars are routinely parked outside the emergency entrance, creating severe congestion. This illegal parking makes it extremely difficult for ambulances to enter the premises promptly, potentially endangering patients' lives.
Ambulance Staff Describe Daily Struggles with Emergency Access
One staff member explained the frustrating reality they face daily. "While we manage to rescue patients from the field in time, the real struggle begins after reaching the hospital," he stated. "Due to the congestion at the emergency gate, our ambulances often get stuck, delaying the transfer of patients onto stretchers. This bottleneck can have serious consequences for those in critical condition."
The protestors emphasized that despite repeated complaints to the hospital administration about this persistent problem, no effective solution had been provided. They claimed they were left with no option but to block the road to draw the administration's attention to this urgent matter.
Hospital Administration Responds with Promised Measures
Taking cognizance of the protest, Senior Medical Officer of the Civil Hospital, Dr. Akhil Sareen, addressed the concerns raised by the ambulance staff. He assured that the hospital administration is serious about resolving the parking issue that has been disrupting emergency services.
Dr. Sareen announced several immediate measures:
- Special 'no parking' boards have been prepared and will be installed across the hospital premises soon to deter illegal parking.
- A designated parking area will be earmarked specifically for 108 ambulances to ensure their smooth movement.
- These steps aim to facilitate timely patient care by removing obstacles at the emergency entrance.
The protest at Ludhiana Civil Hospital underscores the broader challenges facing emergency medical services in urban areas, where infrastructure limitations often conflict with life-saving urgency. The administration's promised interventions will be closely watched by both healthcare workers and the public who depend on these critical services.
