Beed health officials act against PHC doctor after family made to leave ambulance over diesel
A Beed PHC medical officer was relieved of charge after a viral video showed a family allegedly asked to pay for diesel to use a government ambulance.
The Beed district health administration has relieved the medical officer of the Dindrud Primary Health Centre in Majalgaon taluka of his charge and sought disciplinary action, The Indian Express reported. The step followed a viral video in which a family was allegedly made to get off a government ambulance because they could not pay for diesel.
What happened
According to the report, a Class 6 student at a Zilla Parishad school in Dindrud fainted on September 29 and was taken to the PHC. After she stabilised, the doctor advised shifting her to the Ambajogai hospital. The video shows her father carrying her to the ambulance, where PHC staff allegedly demanded money for diesel. When the family could not pay, they were made to get off the vehicle.
Official response
Beed District Health Officer Dr Ulhas Gandal said the department found a prima facie case of dereliction of duty. A proposal has been sent to the Commissioner of Health Services in Mumbai seeking action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979. The medical officer's posting has been temporarily moved to the DHO office.
Asked whether ambulance payments were pending, Gandal said regular monthly payments are made, a fuel card has been given and fuel mapping is done.
Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers
- Officials said fuel for the government ambulance is covered through a fuel card and monthly payments, so patients should not be asked to pay for diesel.
- Such cases draw quick scrutiny once video spreads online.
Read the full report at the source: The Indian Express
This is a summary written by the Ambulance Owner Association. The facts are from the source named above.