ANKIT KESSAR
Early Times Report
RAJOURI, Dec 27: The ambulances meant for Indian System of Medicine (ISM) dispensaries situated along Line of Control (LoC) in District Rajouri are out of order, waiting for funds for maintenance purposes. Ironically, purchased in 2010 these ambulances are also without registration certificates and insurance covers.
Presently, the ambulances in ISM dispensaries viz Dongi Brahmana purchased in 2010, Qilla Darhal and Bhawani purchased in 2015 are lying defunct without serving the purpose for they were procured.
"The above mentioned IMS dispensaries apart from routine works serve as an emergency during cross-LoC firing as they are pressed into service to shift the critically injured persons to specialized hospitals for advanced treatment," Sita Ram Sharma, a local leader said, adding that though time and again during emergency issues of defunct ambulances have been taken up with district administration but no action was taken by the authorities.
"Unfortunately, as soon as the tension along LoC gets settled, the administration forgets the issue. It is also a very serious issue that the ambulances don't have mandatory registration from the transport department as well the insurance papers," said Shafiq Ahmed from Qilla Darhal area.
"We want to urge Lt Governor of Union Territory of J&K to take appropriate actions for redressal of the issue at the earliest", Shafiq added.
When contacted ADMO Rajouri, Dr Gh Haider Shah, said, "There is a huge shortage of funds for maintenance purposes. But we are trying our best to keep these ambulances functional for emergency purposes."
Director, Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K, Dr Mohan Singh, when contacted said that he was not aware of it. "I joined the Department as Director only recently but I assure that the things will be streamlined soon," he said. |
