Patna: Despite regulations requiring unobstructed passage for ambulances, emergency vehicles continue to lose precious time in traffic congestion, frequently getting stuck near major hospitals where encroachments and blockages hinder entry points, endangering patients' lives. The situation is particularly severe near large government hospitals, where roads and access routes are often clogged by autorickshaws, e-rickshaws, and other vehicles.
Zero-tolerance zone near hospitals
The issue was recently raised at a meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti in Bhagalpur, where officials resolved to create a 100-metre radius around hospitals as a zero-tolerance zone for encroachments and traffic obstructions. It was also decided that action would be taken against police personnel who fail to assist ambulances caught in traffic jams.
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Choudhary stated on Saturday that instructions have been issued to keep the area surrounding Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JNMCH) free of all encroachments. “Police have also been sensitised to respond with urgency when ambulances carrying patients are stuck in traffic. While maintaining law and order is their duty, there must also be a humanitarian approach in such situations,” he said. He added that hospital gate staff have been trained to respond quickly when ambulances arrive, ensuring no delay at entry points.
Standard protocol and corrective actions
Health department secretary Kumar Ravi noted that a standard protocol already mandates priority for ambulances on roads. He added that complaints regarding encroachments near Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) and Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) have led to corrective measures. “After receiving complaints, steps were taken to clear encroachments and ensure no obstruction near hospital gates,” Ravi said.
Officials emphasized that the renewed focus on clearing hospital approaches and enforcing ambulance priority is aimed at reducing avoidable delays in emergency care, where even seconds can make the difference between life and death.
