60-year-old heart attack patient reportedly died during transfer to Raipur after alleged six-hour wait for Sanjeevani Express ambulance; inquiry ordered
Family Alleges Critical Delay in Ambulance Availability
A 60-year-old woman allegedly lost her life during transfer to a higher medical centre after a reported delay in the availability of a Sanjeevani Express ambulance at the 220-bed Civil Hospital in Manendragarh, Chhattisgarh.
The deceased, identified as Shyama Bai Yadav, a resident of Ledari Nagar Panchayat, had been admitted to the Civil Hospital after suffering a heart attack. According to family members, her condition worsened during treatment, prompting doctors to refer her to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur for advanced medical care.
Ambulance Arrived Hours After Referral, Family Claims
As per reports, doctors referred the patient around 6 PM and requested a ‘108’ ambulance for her transfer. However, the family alleged that despite repeated requests and appeals, the ambulance arrived only around midnight.
The patient was subsequently shifted to Raipur, but she reportedly died while being transported in the ambulance.
Protest Erupts at Hospital Premises
Following the death, family members staged a protest at the hospital premises, keeping the body inside the ambulance and demanding accountability for the alleged negligence.
Relatives questioned the response of the hospital administration and claimed that senior health officials were unaware of the incident. The protest continued until hospital authorities assured the family that appropriate action would be taken.
Health Department Orders Inquiry
In response to the allegations, the Health Department has constituted a three-member inquiry committee comprising two doctors and a clerk to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Hospital authorities stated that strict action would be taken if any employee is found responsible for negligence during the investigation.
Shyam Bihari Jaiswal stated that an inquiry is underway into the alleged negligence related to ambulance services and assured that anyone found guilty would face action as per established rules.
Police Deployed to Maintain Order
Police personnel were informed immediately and deployed at the hospital to maintain law and order during the protest.
The inquiry report is expected to determine whether there was any lapse in ambulance services and if the delay contributed to the patient’s death.
