Kashmir

Private vehicles being misused as ambulances by private hospitals in Anantnag, DC orders probe

ANANTNAG (Raouf Dar) — In Anantnag district, about 50 kilometres away from Srinagar, many hospitals have been found using private vehicles as ambulances, which violates the Jammu and Kashmir Motor Vehicle Act.

Sources told Kashmir Independent Media Service – KIMS that about 9 private hospitals in Anantnag district have been found using private vehicles as ambulances.

The use of private vehicle as ambulance by a hospital violates Rule 125 of J&K Motor Vehicle Act.

Official data available with Kashmir Independent Media Service – KIMS reveals that 15 private hospital are registered in Anantnag district, only six hospitals have proper ambulance service.

According to official data, Amal Hospital Mominabad, Bone and Joint Hospital Harnag, Al-Hayat Hospital Janglat Mandi, Mid City Hospital Nai Basti, Apex Hospital GBS Anantnag, South City Hospital Anantnag, City Hospital, Jasco Hospital and SKJ Hospital in Sarnal area of Anantnag lack proper ambulance service and are using private vehicles as ambulances.

According to officials, the owners of the hospitals have manually modified Eeco vans and converted them into ambulances which is offence. There is certain procedure to use an ambulance that needs No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Directorate of Health Services (DHSK), Kashmir.

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, S. F. Hamid said that he will look into this matter.

He also directed Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Anantnag to submit a detailed report and necessary action shall be taken as per relevant rules of law. — (KIMS)