Sanjeevani 108 ambulance driver demands Rs 4,000 from patient

Amaluram of Gattakal village, injured in his eye, walked 70 kilometres to his home after Sanjeevani 108 ambulance service demanded 4000 rupees to drive him.

Kanker: In yet another case that draws a gloomy picture of the healthcare in India, a Sanjeevani 108 ambulance driver demanded four thousand rupees from a patient and denied service after the latter expressed his inability to pay.

Amaluram of Gattakal village was attacked by an ox that led to an eye injury for which he went to the Kanker District Hospital. However, after first aid at the health centre he was advised to go to Raipur.

Since, Amaluram had no money to go to Raipur, he wanted to return to his village. The hospital at that time agreed to give Sanjeevani 108 ambulance to Amaluram and said he would be dropped at his home.

However, the ambulance driver told Amaluram that the hospital and the ambulance services do not work on Tuesdays. He demanded that if the patient wants to get dropped to his village, he will have to pay Rs 4,000.

To the driver's demand, Amaluram reiterated that he does not have any money after which, the driver left leaving the patient and his family members stranded.

With no other go, Amaluram and his family members walked 70 km to Antagarh area, from where some people arranged for a car for them after hearing about their plight.

Since they had no money, the trio survived on only biscuits and water in their walk of two days.

"After the incident came to light, an investigation has been launched," said Sanjeevani in-charge Asim Khan.

Talking over the phone, Khan said that he tried to talk to the patient's family as a part of the process a statement will be taken from them. The driver will be punished.