Two ambulances at Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex in Barishal have been lying under the open sky for years. The doors and windows rusted in the sun and rain and the equipment is also getting rusty.
It was known that there is only a driver and an ambulance to provide medical services to the residents of 14 unions of the upazila. As a result, the marginalized people of the upazila are suffering from patient transport. They have to hire private ambulances by paying more fare. Residents of the upazila alleged that this happened due to the negligence of the hospital authorities.
On the spot, it was seen that two ambulances were abandoned under the open sky adjacent to the garage behind the old building of the health complex. Doors and windows are falling apart. There are not many parts inside as which were reportedly stolen. The remaining parts were destroyed by the rust. The two ambulances are not in a condition to be repaired.
According to the health complex, the two ambulances started damaging in 2020. Later that year, a new ambulance was received, but slowly the old two were abandoned. Now an ambulance and a driver are struggling to cope with the pressure of patients. Many times it is not possible to take emergency patients from one hospital to another. They are forced to transport patients in private ambulances by paying double or triple the fare.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Shankar Prasad Adhikari said the matter has been reported to the higher authorities.
Barishal Civil Surgeon Maria Hasan said two ambulances of Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex are unusable. The matter has been reported in writing to the Ministry of Health. Action will be taken if instructions are received.
ARS
