Accountability Lacking for Private Ambulance Mishandling in Chandigarh
Who is responsible when a private ambulance driver mishandles a patient? No one
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
An 83-year-old patient fell off a stretcher due to mishandling by a private ambulance driver while being transported to Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh, India. The incident highlights a significant gap in accountability for private emergency services, with no authority taking responsibility for oversight or action.
- 01An elderly patient fell off a stretcher due to mishandling by a private ambulance driver.
- 02The incident occurred while transporting the patient from Mohali to Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh.
- 03The UT Administration claims no jurisdiction over the private ambulance service involved.
- 04Existing regulations for private ambulance drivers appear poorly enforced, raising concerns about patient safety.
- 05The family has called for an inquiry into the driver's qualifications and conduct.
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On March 28, an 83-year-old patient suffered a fall from a stretcher while being transported by a private ambulance driver to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH-32) in Chandigarh, India. The incident, captured on CCTV, has raised serious concerns about the accountability of private emergency transport services. The patient was being moved from Mohali when the driver mishandled the stretcher, causing the elderly man to fall unconscious. Despite the ambulance being arranged through GMCH-32, the UT Administration has distanced itself from the incident, stating that the driver was not part of the government fleet. The Director of Health Services, Suman Singh, confirmed that while drivers receive training every three months in first aid and patient handling, the lack of oversight for private operators remains a significant issue. The family has filed a complaint, alleging negligence and abusive behavior from the driver, and is demanding an inquiry into his qualifications. Current regulations require private ambulance drivers to hold a commercial driving license and undergo basic training, but enforcement appears lacking. With only 16 ambulances serving a population of over 1.2 million, reliance on private services is common, leaving families questioning who is responsible when mishaps occur during transport. As it stands, the answer remains unclear.
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This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and accountability of private ambulance services in Chandigarh, affecting patients and their families during emergencies.
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