Pothole-Ridden Roads of Mumbai Affect Ambulance Services; Drivers Refuse to Ferry Patients Despite Being Offered More Money
One of the service providers stated that due to bad roads, the maintenance cost of ambulances is adding to their financial woes
Mumbai, July 25: The pothole menace in Mumbai and its neighbouring cities are not only pushing the traffic at snail’s pace but also affecting ambulance services. According to a news report in the Maharashtra Times, the ambulance service providers are not ready to take longer routes, especially in suburban regions, despite the people being ready to pay more than usual. They believe that their drive has become excruciatingly long due to the potholes.
In the city, ambulance services are provided by many organisations, and some of them are Mumbai Healthcare Service, Rugna Seva Sanstha, Samata Healthcare and others. They also offer services in Konkan regions along with Mumbai. Since the roads are in a bad condition, the services are now been provided only for shorter distances. The report further mentions that one of the trusts providing ambulance services named Nana Palkar has also stopped ambulance services in Konkan and has restricted it only up to 200 kilometres.
One of the service providers stated that due to bad roads, the maintenance cost of ambulances is adding to their financial woes. Therefore, to avoid extra expenses, they are denying service, stating that they don't have ambulances currently with them to take the patients to hospitals.
Bikers and motorists are reeling under the inconvenience caused due to these potholes. As per reports in Mumbai and its adjoining regions, at least six people have lost their lives due to the pothole-related mishaps. Furthermore, to grab the attention of the authorities and the ruling government, Sanjay Nirupam has started the pothole campaign called #Chalo_Potholes_Ginne, which means "let's count the potholes." Besides this, Nirupam has also asked the citizens to take pictures of the potholes, send it to the concerned authority and lodge their complaint. The initiative was started after CM Devendra Fadnavis claimed that in Mumbai the number of potholes have reduced in four-years.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2018 03:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).