Ludhiana: Chaos was witnessed at the civil hospital on Thursday when employees of the 108 ambulance service protested against illegal parking outside the emergency ward. An ambulance staff member alleged that private vehicles and police cars were routinely parked outside the emergency entrance, making it difficult for the ambulances to enter the premises.
Local sources said as a mark of protest, the employees parked ambulances at the hospital’s entry and exit points, blocking movement for nearly an hour.A staff member said while they manage to rescue patients from the field in time, the real struggle starts after reaching the hospital. He added that due to congestion at the emergency gate, the ambulances often get stuck, delaying the transfer of patients on to the stretchers.The protestors claimed that despite repeated complaints, no solution was provided so they were left with no option, but to block the road to draw the attention of the administration.Taking cognizance of the matter, SMO of the civil hospital Dr Akhil Sareen said the hospital administration was serious about resolving the problem. He added that special ‘no parking’ boards had been prepared and would be installed across the hospital premises soon.Sareen further stated that a designated parking area would be earmarked for 108 ambulances to ensure smooth movement and timely patient care.
