JAMMU — Authorities have ordered an inquiry after a pregnant woman was allegedly forced to walk to seek medical assistance due to the non-availability of an ambulance in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ramban district.
Ramban Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Kamal G Zadoo has ordered an inquiry following allegations that an ambulance driver refused to travel to the remote Tangar village to transport 23-year-old Nayeema Banoo, officials said.
Banoo reportedly developed pregnancy-related complications and required urgent medical attention.
According to local residents, her family contacted the 108 ambulance service which responded and reached Dharamkund Zero Point on the Ramban-Gool Highway.
However, residents alleged that the ambulance staff refused to proceed further to Tangar village despite repeated requests and being informed about the patient’s condition.
They claimed that the woman and her attendants were left with no option but to undertake a difficult journey on foot and later seek a lift in a private vehicle before reaching the ambulance.
The patient was subsequently shifted to the Ramban District Hospital for treatment.
Social activist Saddam Bali subsequently submitted a complaint on Tuesday to the Health Department, seeking action against the ambulance staff and demanding measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
Acting on the complaint, Zadoo issued an official communication to the Batote block medical officer (BMO), directing him to conduct a detailed inquiry into the allegations.
The BMO has been directed to conduct a comprehensive investigation and submit a detailed report to the CMO’s office within two days for further necessary action.
When contacted, Zadoo said the 108 ambulance service operates under a contractual arrangement but the Health Department consistently ensures that ambulances reach all road-connected villages.
“We make every effort to ensure that ambulances reach remote villages with road connectivity,” he said.
The CMO assured that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the rules after the inquiry report is received. — (PTI)