GADAG : Gadag district hospital’s ambulances have reportedly become passenger vehicles. A few people who have visited the KH Patil Institute of Medical Sciences (KHPIMS) alleged that some ambulance drivers are ferrying passengers to and from the hospital campus at Mallasamudra for money.
A video footage also went viral on Monday morning. Sources in KHPIMS, however, brushed the allegation aside, saying it could be one driver’s misdemeanour and the authorities would investigate the matter. They confirmed that the KHPIMS director has received a complaint in this regard.
The authorities had ignored several complaints in the past about the practice for want of evidence, but took it seriously after a man recorded the video and posted it on social media platforms. “Ambulance drivers are in a responsible position and they should not allow any people inside the emergency vehicle. They should operate only for the needy in emergency situations,” said a KHPIMS official.
Iranna Dotihal, who was at the bus shelter when the man recorded the video, said, “We were waiting for the bus for more than half an hour on Gadag–Lakshmeshwar road. There were auto rickshaws but they stuffed passengers like sheep, hence, we were waiting for a bus. It was then an ambulance came out of the KHPIMS campus and stopped around 100 metres away from the bus shelter. Many people ran towards the ambulance and boarded it. Later, we came to know that the driver charges people the bus fare.”
KHPIMS Director Dr Basavaraj Bommanahalli said, “We have seen the video. The ambulance does not belong to KHPIMS. Still we have started an inquiry. The district health officer is also gathering details. Action will be taken against the driver.”