Rural Goa's ambulance gaps in focus as Sanguem has only two 108 units
A Herald report on Goa's rural 108 service cites delays, idle units and long distances, while the Health Minister has promised more ambulances.
Remote villages in Goa continue to face gaps in emergency care, with complaints of non-functional ambulances, shortages of drivers and medical attendants, poor roads and long distances to hospitals, according to a report in the Herald.
The report says the death of a 22-year-old woman in Sanguem last month, after the 108 ambulance allegedly did not arrive in time, brought the issue into focus again. A cardiac-care ambulance was reportedly provided at Sanguem Primary Health Centre afterwards.
Sanguem currently has only two 108 ambulances, one in Sanguem town and one at Vichundrem, which must cover a large area. The report notes that Sanguem town is about 40 km from Salgini and about 30 km from the South Goa District Hospital in Margao. It also recalls an earlier complaint, in March 2025, that the Sanguem PHC ambulance sat idle for over a month for lack of a driver.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has assured that more 108 ambulances will be deployed across Goa. Residents quoted in the report say extra vehicles must come with enough staff, regular maintenance, working oxygen supplies and trained personnel. Velim MLA Cruz Silva and residents have also demanded that the 108 unit moved from Balli to Navelim be restored at Balli.
Why it matters for ambulance owners and drivers
The report links ambulance availability to driver and attendant staffing and to upkeep, points that matter to anyone operating or driving ambulances.
Read the full report at the source: The Herald (Goa)
This is a summary written by the Ambulance Owner Association. The facts are from the source named above.