Stranded for 72 Hours: Broken 108 Ambulance in Nalbari Sparks Safety, Service Concerns

A CORRESPONDENT

NALBARI: Questions have been raised over the functioning of emergency healthcare services in Nalbari after a 108 ambulance reportedly remained stranded on the Bagalchroad-Chamta road for nearly 72 hours.

According to local residents, the ambulance has been lying broken down on the roadside for the past three days. Its prolonged presence on the road has raised concerns over public safety as well as the management of emergency ambulance services in the district. The 108 ambulance service plays a crucial role in providing emergency medical transportation during accidents, medical emergencies and other critical situations. Residents have expressed concern that a vehicle associated with such an essential service should not remain unattended on a public road for several days.

The situation becomes particularly concerning at night, when visibility on the road is reduced. Residents fear that motorists or pedestrians may fail to notice the stationary ambulance and could potentially meet with an accident. They have questioned who would be held responsible in the event of an accident involving the stranded vehicle. The incident has also drawn attention to the need for proper monitoring and maintenance of emergency service vehicles. Residents said vehicles operating under the 108 emergency service should be regularly inspected and arrangements should be made to promptly repair or tow away any vehicle that breaks down on a public road.

The prolonged breakdown has also triggered criticism over the alleged lack of prompt response from the concerned authorities. Locals have urged the Health Department, 108 ambulance service authorities and the district administration to take immediate steps to remove the vehicle from the road and shift it to a safe location.

Residents have further demanded that a proper mechanism be put in place to ensure that emergency ambulances that become non-functional are quickly attended to, repaired or replaced with alternative vehicles so that emergency medical services are not affected.

Residents are now awaiting action from the concerned authorities to address the safety concerns and ensure that emergency ambulance services in the district remain functional.

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