Bhabanipatana: A critically ill girl allegedly died following a three-hour delay in reaching hospital after the 108 ambulance transporting her broke down due to a tyre puncture in Kalahandi district, triggering public outrage over the functioning of emergency healthcare services.
The deceased was identified as Riya Naik of Tulapada village under Narla block.
According to reports, Riya was admitted to the Narla Community Health Centre after complaining of severe stomach pain. As her condition deteriorated, doctors referred her to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) at Bhabanipatana for advanced treatment.
While she was being shifted to the DHH in a 108 ambulance, the vehicle suffered a tyre puncture near the Gohirapadar railway crossing. The situation worsened as the ambulance’s spare tyre was also reportedly found to be defective, leaving the vehicle stranded on the roadside.
With no immediate alternative transport arranged, the patient remained stranded for nearly three hours before another ambulance reached the spot and shifted her to the District Headquarters Hospital.
However, by the time she arrived at the hospital, doctors declared her dead.
The incident has sparked widespread anger among local residents, who alleged gross negligence in the maintenance of emergency ambulance services and demanded strict action against those responsible for the lapse.
The authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
