Private ambulances with oxygen loot patients

Aurangabad, April 18:

Adding to the miseries of the Corona patients and their relatives, the private ambulance with oxygen facility operators are looting them by recovering more fare from them.

The administration is taking strenuous efforts to control the Corona pandemic. But, several complaints have been received from the people that the ambulance operators are demanding more fare from them. Hence, LT conducted a reality check about it. The Regional Transport Authority has fixed rates for the ambulance to transport the patients. Accordingly, Rs 600 has been fixed for Cruzer, Tavera, Maruti Van ambulance, Rs 800 from Tempo Travels and Rs 1500 for the ambulance with doctor, nurse and other medical facilities. These rates are for 25 kms or for two hours. However, the ambulance operators are recovering double or triple fares from the relatives of the patients. They stating the reasons of washing the ambulance after taking the patient, disinfection and providing facilities of doctor, nurses and other medical facilities, recover more money from the patients.

When checked, it was found that they demand Rs 2000 to take a patient from Seven Hills area to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Another ambulance driver told that he will take Rs 2000 to take a patient from Shahnoorwadi area to Jawaharnagar Police Station area. Similarly, one demanded Rs 2000 from the GMCH to Trimurti Chowk.

The acting Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Sanjay Metrewar said that the price list for the fares of the ambulance has been announced last year. If more fare is being charged, it is very serious. The ambulance operators will be asked and directed about it and strict action will be taken against the driver, if such complaints are received, he said.