| Attendant Sarai, Ambulances denied to patients, attendants | | Red-Cross staff misusing facilities | |  Nitesh Sangral
Early Times Report
Jammu, Nov 14: The Red-Cross Sarai at Maheshpura Chowk constructed for attendants of the patients from far off areas admitted in GMC hospital Jammu is reportedly out of bounds for patients, as it is always found shut, impelling attendants of poor patients to stay in lodges or at odd places. Besides, adding to their plight, the ambulances, meant for patients are seen ferrying Red-Cross staff and are generally denied to patients on frivolous pretexts.
Seeking anonymity, Doctors within GMC&H told Early Times that, the Red Cross Society Jammu has three ambulances for needy and poor patients but interestingly when patients need the same they are denied the service on one or other pretext.
"These ambulances - are doing odd jobs throughout the day like delivering items, ferrying staff members and others," they alleged and added that the matter has been taken up number of times but concerned authorities have maintained silence over the misuse of the ambulances.
An ambulance driver revealed that they are asked by the higher official to do other jobs and not to ferry the patients.
However, Honorary Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu RC Puri while refuting allegations said that Red Cross Society Jammu has two ambulances in working condition and ambulances are being provided to needy people on nominal rates.
Moreover, they added that the purpose of Attendant Sarai at Maheshpura Chowk for attendants of patients has reportedly been defeated as negligible numbers of attendants get the benefit of the Sarai. Since the Sarai was established, not more than half a dozen attendants have availed the benefit of Sarai.
They stated that the cumbersome formalities for getting bed at Attendant Sarai by attendants have been restraining the patients from getting shelter at Attendant Sarai. "Whenever an attendant goes to the Sarai, officials at the Sarai ask him to get the permission from IRCS office Kachhi Chawni, "they added.
Officials at Sarai seek various documents which normally a person does not carry and the attendants have to take shelter in corridors of hospital, they said. |
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