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Oxygen Shortage: Patient Dies in 108 Ambulance
21 Jul
Summary
- Patient died due to lack of oxygen in an ambulance.
- Only two of 14 functional ambulances have oxygen.
- FIR registered against ambulance staff and provider agency.
An FIR was lodged at Patamda police station against 108 ambulance service personnel following the death of a 65-year-old patient. The patient allegedly died because the ambulance lacked an oxygen cylinder while en route to Patamda community health centre. The complaint was filed by the health centre's in-charge.
Investigations revealed a severe shortage of essential equipment, with only two of the 14 functional 108 ambulances in East Singhbhum district equipped with oxygen. The incident has led to a show-cause notice being served on the service provider, Samanya Foundation, demanding an explanation for the lack of oxygen and other irregularities.
The deceased, Santosh Kumar Kumbhkar, was travelling from Jorsa village to Patamda CHC. The ambulance reportedly suffered a tyre puncture and ran out of oxygen support midway. The region's 108 ambulance service is in a critical state, with 24 out of 38 allotted vehicles defunct.
Norms dictate that ambulances must be equipped with trained staff, oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and medical equipment. However, many functional ambulances in East Singhbhum are in poor condition, with non-working fans and limited travel range, raising further concerns about emergency medical services.
