“BMO’s verbal remarks contradict written rebuttal; CMO says Ashtangoo ambulance lacks valid registration”
KD Correspondent
Bandipora, June 16: Residents of Ashtangoo village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Tuesday accused the health department of ignoring repeated pleas to restore the only ambulance attached to their Primary Health Centre (PHC), alleging that its absence has left thousands of people across nearly a dozen villages at the mercy of fate during medical emergencies.
The ambulance serves Ashtangoo and several adjoining villages where healthcare facilities remain limited and patients often require urgent referrals to the District Hospital Bandipora or tertiary care centres in Srinagar.
Locals said the vehicle’s prolonged absence has forced patients, including pregnant women, elderly residents and critically ill individuals, to arrange private transport at their own expense.
“We have been requesting the authorities for months to return our ambulance, but nobody is listening. This vehicle is the only lifeline for nearly a dozen villages. Without it, thousands of people have been left at God’s mercy,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Ashtangoo.
The issue was earlier highlighted by Kashmir Despatch, which reported allegations that the ambulance designated for PHC Ashtangoo was being used for VIP protocol duties.
In response, the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Bandipora, issued a written rebuttal dated June 11, a copy of which is with Kashmir Despatch. The BMO clarified that the ambulance originally attached to PHC Ashtangoo is currently off the road because it is unregistered and, therefore, cannot be legally operated on public roads.
The rebuttal further stated that a 108 Emergency Response Service ambulance remains stationed at PHC Ashtangoo round the clock, while another ambulance from PHC Binlipora is available as a backup when required.
“Meanwhile, the ambulance which was on VIP duty yesterday in Bandipora does not belong to PHC Ashtangoo,” the BMO stated in the letter.
However, the clarification appears to contradict an earlier verbal statement made by the BMO, on call available with Kashmir Despatch, who had acknowledged that ambulances are deployed for VIP movements whenever requisitioned by higher authorities.
“Whenever there is a requirement from the administration for VIP movement, ambulances are called as part of the protocol and we use it according to the need.,” the BMO had earlier said.
When Kashmir Despatch brought the matter to the attention of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora, she said she had been informed that the ambulance attached to PHC Ashtangoo was not registered and had been operating without registration.
“I have been informed that the ambulance is not registered and cannot be used until the required formalities are completed,” she said.
Residents said the explanations offered by officials have only deepened confusion.
“If the ambulance was unregistered and unfit to operate, why was it assigned to our health centre in the first place? And if another ambulance is available round the clock, why are patients still struggling to get timely transport?” asked Abdul Rashid, a local resident.
Another resident, Shabir Ahmad, said delays in accessing emergency transport could prove fatal in remote areas.
“We are not against VIP visits or official duties, but ambulances are meant to save lives. In emergencies, every minute counts. We cannot afford to lose precious time arranging private vehicles,” he said.
The conflicting statements have left residents searching for answers and questioning why a vehicle allegedly operating without registration was attached to a remote health centre in the first place.
Locals have demanded a transparent inquiry into the matter and urged authorities to ensure that emergency medical resources meant for remote communities are not diverted or left non-functional.
They urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and LG Sinha to intervene in this matter and resolve the genuine grievances of the people as soon as possible.
