Rs 46 Lakh ALS Ambulance Lies Unused at Hazaribag Medical College
A high-tech advanced life support ambulance sits idle on the campus of Sheikh Bhikhari Medical College and Hospital in Hazaribag. Authorities purchased the vehicle in 2020 for Rs 46 lakh using district mineral fund trust money. It was meant to provide emergency care for cardiac patients.
Ambulance Exposed to Elements
The ambulance has been parked outside the trauma centre for years. It faces constant exposure to dust and weather conditions. The vehicle is now on the verge of turning into scrap metal.
This ALS ambulance comes equipped with several critical medical devices:
- Portable ventilator
- Cardiac monitor and defibrillator
- Syringe infusion pump
- Oxygen supply system
- Suction unit
- Emergency drug storage
Despite this advanced equipment, the ambulance has never been used for patient care.
Critical Role in Emergency Care
Such ambulances play a vital role in emergency medical services. They provide immediate pre-hospital care to patients. Continuous monitoring during patient transfer to higher medical centres helps reduce mortality rates.
One SBMCH doctor explained the importance of functional cardiac ambulances in districts like Hazaribag. Patients often need referral to advanced centres in Ranchi or elsewhere. Delayed transport without life support can prove fatal during cardiac emergencies.
Discovery and Response
The matter came to light when an aide of Hazaribag MP Manish Jaiswal noticed the vehicle gathering dust last Saturday. Ranjan Choudhary, representing Jaiswal, then met with SBMCH superintendent Dr Anukaran Purti to discuss the issue.
Dr Purti responded by directing the ambulance in-charge and driver to take immediate action. He ordered them to clean and maintain the cardiac ambulance for readiness. The superintendent also instructed deployment of the ambulance for emergency cardiac and critical cases without further delay.
"I have also instructed that the ambulance be deployed for emergency cardiac and critical cases without delay," Dr Purti stated. "The management of wards, including the orthopaedic department, will also be improved."
The situation highlights concerns about medical resource utilization in the region. Proper maintenance and deployment of such expensive equipment could significantly improve emergency response capabilities for local residents.
