Photo : Messenger
An ambulance at the Belkuchi Upazila Health Complex in Sirajganj has remained dysfunctional for almost 8 months, leading to severe hardships for patients.
Additionally, the second ambulance at the hospital has also not been consistently operational, often experiencing breakdowns several times a month. This situation has made it difficult to transport patients with urgency to the district city or Dhaka, forcing patients' relatives to rely on rented ambulances.
The unused ambulance, which has been wrapped in polythene next to the old building of the health complex, is in a dire state, with two of its wheels missing and significant damage to its front due to an accident. Following the accident, the ambulance has been deemed unfit for movement and has been left unused on the premises.
According to sources at the Upazila Health Complex, the ambulance was damaged in a road accident at Tangail while returning from Dhaka with a patient in June 2023, rendering it completely immovable. As a result, it was wrapped in polythene and left on the grounds of the health complex.
Employees at the health complex highlighted the challenges faced in transferring unconscious patients to other hospitals due to the unreliable ambulance services. Patients and their relatives emphasized the urgent need for a new ambulance, as the current operational ambulance frequently breaks down, leading to the reliance on expensive hired ambulances. This situation particularly affects poor patients, as private ambulance fares are exorbitant.
Both patients and local residents have expressed concerns about the lack of a functional ambulance, which has resulted in difficulties in transporting emergency patients. They have urged the authorities to address this issue promptly to ensure the provision of continuous ambulance services.
Abdul Latif, the ambulance driver at the health complex, mentioned that one of the two ambulances has become unusable but could be repaired. However, the current operational ambulance also faces frequent breakdowns, leading to intermittent closure of the hospital's ambulance service.
AKM Mofakharul Islam, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, acknowledged the unsatisfactory service of the old ambulance and stated that the need for a new ambulance has been communicated to superiors. However, the timeline for obtaining a new ambulance remains uncertain.
Sirajganj Civil Surgeon Ram Pad Roy emphasized the need for significant funds to repair the ambulance and has requested allocation from the ministry or the provision of a new ambulance. He expressed hope that higher officials would take necessary action to address the situation.
The dire situation at the Belkuchi Upazila Health Complex has sparked concerns among both patients and the local community. With the only operational ambulance frequently breaking down, the burden falls heavily on patients and their families, particularly those facing financial constraints.
The absence of a reliable ambulance service poses a significant risk to the lives of those in need of urgent medical attention. The plea for a new ambulance has become increasingly urgent, with community members and hospital staff emphasizing the critical need for swift action to address this pressing issue.
The local authorities and health officials are under mounting pressure to expedite the process of acquiring a new ambulance to ensure the safety and well-being of patients in the region.
Messenger/Fameema
