Ranchi’s Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), the largest hospital in the city, recently took action against private ambulances operating on its grounds. This resulted in the seizure of a large number of vehicles and has led to potential disruptions in patient transportation.
RIMS Cracks Down on Private Ambulances
Earlier this week, hospital authorities impounded 240 private ambulances found operating within the RIMS campus. These ambulances were then taken to the Bariatu police station. This action was taken due to increasing concerns about traffic congestion caused by the high volume of ambulances regularly present at the hospital. The seizure has angered ambulance operators, some of whom are threatening to strike in response.
Concerns Over Traffic and Operations
Hospital administration officials stated the high number of ambulances were causing significant traffic problems. These traffic jams disrupted hospital operations and inconvenienced patients and visitors trying to access the facility. “The ambulances are causing traffic issues,” a RIMS spokesperson confirmed, explaining the need for intervention. Therefore, they felt it necessary to control the number of private ambulance vehicles on the premises.
During the impoundment process, some minor disagreements reportedly occurred between ambulance drivers and police officers. However, authorities maintain they were acting to improve overall efficiency and accessibility within the hospital. This action follows previous complaints regarding private ambulance services, including allegations of overcharging patients. You might also want to read about the hospital’s efforts to improve patient care to see more ways RIMS is working for the public.
Potential Strike and Future Resolutions
The current situation remains tense, and a strike by ambulance operators could significantly impact patient transportation and emergency medical services in Ranchi. If the operators proceed with their strike, it could create challenges for patients needing timely medical transport. Currently, the RIMS administration is reportedly engaged in discussions with ambulance operators to find a solution. The goal is to address the operators’ concerns while simultaneously ensuring order and efficient traffic flow within the hospital. Finding a balance is crucial to avoid disruptions in essential services.