GAURESH SATTARKAR
QUEPEM: Quepem has been facing a major healthcare emergency as the 108 ambulance service has remained nonfunctional (break down) for the past four days. In the absence of a 108 ambulance, authorities are forced to rely on 108 ambulance from Balli, Sanguem, and Curchorem areas located at considerable distances, causing dangerous delays in critical situations.
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A recent incident on Sunday highlights the severity of the issue. A man from Avedem, Quepem, sustained serious injuries after falling from a bike. When locals dialed 108, they were informed that no ambulance was available in Quepem and that one would be arranged from Margao. The patient was left waiting, losing precious time that could have been life-saving.
This is not an isolated case. Hospitals in the region frequently depend on 108 ambulances for patient referrals. However, repeated excuses such as vehicles being under repair, unavailable drivers, or lack of backup ambulances are becoming alarmingly common.
The situation raises a critical question: what happens if multiple emergencies occur at the same time? With no dedicated 108 service in Quepem, lives are being put at serious risk.
There is an urgent need for intervention from Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and concerned authorities to ensure Immediate repair or replacement of the Quepem ambulance, deployment of backup emergency vehicles and accountability for repeated service failures.
