Udupi: Staff shortage hits 108 ambulance service; only 6–7 of 18 vehicles operational at a time

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Dec 5: The state government’s ‘108 Arogya Kavacha’ emergency ambulance service in Udupi district is facing an acute staff shortage, leaving only 6–7 of the district’s 18 ambulances operational at any given time.

The shortage is particularly severe in the case of drivers (pilots), resulting in delays and difficulties in responding to emergency calls from rural areas of Kundapur, Byndoor, Brahmavar and Hebri taluks.

When launched, the service was considered a lifeline for rural communities, offering timely emergency response and even facilitating several successful deliveries inside ambulances.

Drivers and staff once ensured prompt medical support to economically weaker families. However, delayed salaries and a steady decline in staff strength hav