Faridabad probe: fuel drawn for four ambulances that were off the road
BK Civil Hospital's four idle ambulances still had diesel drawn on their fuel cards, a hospital source put it near Rs 50 lakh; NHM has begun an inquiry.
Four ambulances at BK Civil Hospital in Faridabad, Haryana, stayed off the road for months while diesel continued to be drawn against their fuel cards, The Times of India reported on 1 November. A hospital source estimated that nearly Rs 50 lakh of fuel was consumed against the four vehicles.
According to the report, the gap surfaced when state headquarters analysed fuel-card transactions. The Faridabad deputy civil surgeon (NHM) issued a show-cause notice to the fleet manager of the agency running the service on 16 October. The notice said two ambulances had been parked near the hospital mortuary for three to four months, yet fuel was drawn until 11 October. The other two had been at the agency's workshop since January and August, but their cards showed refills until 16 September and 11 October.
The notice asked for vehicle-wise details of fuel drawn, including dates, quantities, amounts and refuelling locations, and warned of disciplinary action. The notice called the discrepancy a prima facie sign of serious financial irregularities. The chief medical officer has set up a committee, and the NHM director said an inquiry has begun.
The report adds that the hospital has eight ambulances under the 108 service, of which only four were running. Hospital staff also made further allegations about patient diversions, which the report presents as staff claims.
Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers
- Fuel-card transactions are being checked against vehicle status.
- With half the fleet off the road, the running ambulances carry the load.
Read the full report at the source: The Times of India
This is a summary written by the Ambulance Owner Association. The facts are from the source named above.