A severely ill patient in Udyavara, Udupi district, was allegedly left waiting for over two hours for a crucial ‘108’ emergency ambulance, according to NDTV.
A critically ill patient in Udyavara, Udupi district, allegedly waited over two hours for a 108 ambulance on December 5 between 7 PM and 9:30 PM, with repeated calls denied due to unavailability, and private options failing, forcing local Vishu Shetty to rush them to district hospital in his goods tempo fitted with a cot.
Family noted rapid deterioration; residents blame chronic shortages where only 5-6 of 18 ambulances operate amid staff and maintenance issues, alleging past deaths despite complaints. No official statements yet, but locals demand immediate government audits and fixes.
Roots of Ambulance Crisis
Udupi’s 108 service, launched for free rapid emergency response, grapples with year-long woes including driver-nurse shortages, vehicle breakdowns, and poor coordination, mirroring statewide lapses like recent baby deaths from delays.
The district allocated 18 ambulances, yet reports confirm just 5-6 functional, leaving rural areas vulnerable during peaks. Health activists cite administrative delays post-complaints, urging state health department audits.
Vishu Shetty’s repeated appeals highlight community frustration with ignored pleas.
Incident Timeline and Shetty’s Intervention
Family allegedly dialled 108 multiple times as condition worsened, hearing no vehicles available; private hires proved unreachable too. Shetty, known for aid, laid a stretcher in his tempo for the desperate 2.5-hour dash to hospital, averting tragedy.
He told media, “For the past year, 108 ambulances have not functioned properly. Hundreds suffered; I informed government repeatedly, but nothing changed. Only 5-6 of 18 work.” Neighbours rallied, humanising panic of families facing life-or-death waits without basics.
Videos show the makeshift transport, amplifying calls for round-the-clock reliability.
Systemic Demands and Broader Impact
Residents demand full deployment of sanctioned fleet, strict monitoring, hospital coordination, and public availability reports. Past incidents, like technical glitches causing deaths, underscore urgency in a healthcare-rich district. Social workers push transparency to restore trust, noting even minutes matter in crises.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Empathy requires unbreakable emergency chains saving every life through accountable systems, nurturing harmony via responsive public health. Kindness urges dialogue between citizens and officials to end delays fostering despair.
