In what could be termed as a case of negligence and irresponsibility on the part of officials, a young person lost his life for want of an ambulance in Kangan area of Ganderbal district. The issue later sparked protests in the area.

Relatives and witnesses of the deceased person identified as Mohammad Rafiq Bhat (22) son of Abdul Rashid Bhat resident of KatchNambal village of Kangan told Kashmir Vision that Rafiq collapsed on Wednesday afternoon at his own automobile workshop.

“Though he was immediately rushed to Trauma Hospital Kangan however, being critical doctors referred him to SKIMS Soura for specialized treatment but unfortunately the Ambulance driver on duty was not available in the Hospital to ferry him to SKIMS Soura,” the relatives of the deceased said, adding the driver had gone to somewhere even without informing his senior staff .

They said that they somehow arranged a Sumo vehicle from nearby Sumo Stand Kangan and took Rafiq to SKIMS Soura, however, doctors declared him brought dead at 9 pm on Wednesday.

On Thursday morning locals and relatives of the deceased blocked Srinagar-Leh Highway at main market Kangan for hours and demanded stern action against the ambulance driver.

Shouting slogans against the hospital authorities, the protesters demanded stern action against the erring driver.

Later Police along with officials of health department pacified the protesters after assuring them that the driver will be put to task.

Meanwhile Block Medical Officer Kangan , Dr Shabir Ahmad Awan told Kashmir Vision that they have suspended the irresponsible ambulance driver .

“We have suspended the driver and have constituted a committee to probe the matter,” the BMO said.

Guest