Telangana Suspends Ambulance Driver After Delay Complaint

Hyderabad: A social media post highlighting delay in ambulance services and alleged lapses in emergency care at the Gandhi Hospital, including poor facilities and demand for a bribe, led to the suspension of an ambulance driver and the ordering of an inquiry.

The post on X described how a family in Malkajgiri struggled to secure medical assistance after a senior member suffered a stroke. It alleged that a 108 ambulance took nearly 40 minutes to arrive despite repeated calls and sharing of location details.

The post claimed that the driver refused to shift the patient from the Malkajgiri District Hospital to Gandhi Hospital after referral, citing procedural requirements for a fresh allocation through the 108 system. This resulted in a delay of over an hour, the post said.

The post also raised concerns over overcrowding at Gandhi Hospital, shortage of stretchers and wheelchairs, lack of air conditioning, delays in diagnostic procedures and alleged demand for payment by a technician for quicker access to reports.

Responding to the issue, health minister Damodar Rajanarsimha expressed regret over the incident and ordered action. The government suspended ambulance driver Kailash Rathod for negligence and violation of standard operating procedures.

The minister said an inquiry had been ordered and assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. He also said notices had been issued to sanitation and patient care contractors at Gandhi Hospital over reported deficiencies, and allegations regarding unauthorised payments for diagnostic services would be examined.

He said the government has added 213 ambulances to the 108 emergency fleet in the past year and plans to induct more vehicles. He also announced that 109 trauma care centres are being established across the state to improve emergency response. Addressing infrastructure concerns, the minister said a new 1,000-bed hospital is under construction in Malkajgiri and medical services at the new TIMS hospital are expected to begin from June.

He added that over 12,650 posts have been filled in the public healthcare sector in the past two-and-a-half years, with recruitment for another 4,500 posts underway. The government said efforts are ongoing to strengthen healthcare services while addressing isolated lapses.