A 67-year-old man being referred to Satna district hospital died after getting trapped inside a 108 ambulance whose rear door jammed at the hospital gate. The health department claimed the patient had died before arrival and said a notice has been issued to the district coordinator.
A critically ill 67-year-old man died after getting trapped inside an ambulance whose rear door jammed at the gate of Satna district hospital in Madhya Pradesh, exposing serious lapses in the district’s emergency healthcare system. The deceased, identified as Ram Prasad, was being referred to Satna district hospital from the Ramnagar Community Health Centre.
According to family members, Ram Prasad collapsed at home on Saturday morning while warming himself near a fire. He was first taken to the Ramnagar CHC, where doctors provided preliminary treatment before referring him to the district hospital in a 108 emergency ambulance.
The ambulance reached the gate of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel District Hospital, Satna, but soon after arriving, the rear door of the vehicle reportedly got jammed. Visuals from the scene show people trying desperately to force open the door using kicks, punches and tools, while the patient remained inside. The ambulance driver was also seen attempting to enter the vehicle through a window.
After a prolonged struggle, the door was finally forced open, and Ram Prasad was taken out on a stretcher. Doctors at the hospital, however, declared him dead on arrival.
Following the incident, the district health department maintained that the patient had already died before reaching the hospital. Satna Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr Manoj Shukla said that a notice has been issued to the district coordination officer to ascertain responsibility and initiate action.
“After the matter came to light, a notice has been served to the district coordinator and further action will be taken based on the findings,” Dr Shukla said.
The incident has once again brought focus on the poor condition and maintenance of 108 ambulances in Satna district, with repeated reports in recent months highlighting shortcomings in emergency healthcare services.
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