Health department not lodging complaint against the culprits for fear of reprisal
Srinagar, Aug 03: Around 110 ambulances have been damaged by troopers and protesters till July 29, according to Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK). However, it’s not registering any complaint in this regard, fearing that legalising the issue will make the ambulances more vulnerable to such attacks.
Riyaz Ahmad Khan, who is working on deputation with DHSK as Transport Head, said, “As of now our priority is to take patients safely to hospitals. So we don’t want to lodge any complaint because it might create further problems for ambulance drivers who are every now and then getting beaten up by police.”
“There are reports that from July 29 onwards, 15 more ambulances have been damaged,” Riyaz added.
In Anantnag district, highest number of ambulances (38) has been damaged followed by Kulgam (19), Pulwama (14) and Kupwara (12) districts.
“The ambulances are in a very bad shape. The windscreens, side and rear windows, lights, tyres and body all are damaged. The estimated cost of repair ranges from Rs 5000 to 1 lakh for each ambulance. As of now, we are just doing minor repairs so that we can run them again,” Riyaz said.
“Much of the damage to the ambulances has been done by policemen. When they see the injured being taken to hospital they get angry and hit the ambulance,” he added.
Many of the ambulances which have been temporary repaired have again been attacked by the government forces as well as protesters.
“Couple of days ago, we repaired a vehicle of district hospital Kangan, but again it was damaged,” Riyaz said. “We thought of filing a complaint against the cop who did it .But then we dropped the idea, thinking it will create unnecessary trouble for us.”
Medical Superintendent of SMHS hospital, Nazir Chowdhary, said: “We have given a list to the government about the damage done to the ambulance. Let them take action. As of now, we have not filed any complaint against the persons who has damaged ambulances.”
Meanwhile, the doctors have reiterated the appeal to government forces to allow smooth movement of ambulances, as they have been continuously found thrashing the hospital staff.
Number of ambulances damaged till 29th July:
District Number of Ambulances Damaged
Ananatnag 38
Kupwara 12
Baramulla 05
Budgam 10
Pulwama 14
Ganderbal 07
Kulgam 19
Srinagar 06
Courtesy: risingkashmir.com