Ensure hassle-free movement of ambulances: Health deptt to MSs

Srinagar, Feb 18: The Health Department Kashmir on Sunday ordered hassle-free movement of ambulances in coordination with the Traffic Department following complaints of people as they stuck in traffic jams while transporting patients to hospitals.
The Director Health Services Kashmir has issued an order to make certain the seamless movement of ambulances for the timely transportation of critical patients to tertiary care hospitals.
The department directed all the Medical Superintendents of Kashmir division to ensure coordination with the Traffic Department at times when referring critical care patients for further care/treatment.
The order was directed to ensure priority clearance for ambulances during transit and avoid unnecessary delays that could jeopardize patient care. It was further ordered to facilitate smooth traffic flow to expedite emergency responses.
Further, to implement the circular instructions, all the Medical Superintendents of Kashmir division have been given strict instructions for referring to critical care cases.
They have been directed that before referring any critical patient, they should ensure that approval has been obtained from the Traffic Department for priority clearance.
The medical superintendents have been instructed to maintain open communication channels with the Traffic Department to provide updates on ambulance locations and expected arrival times.
The order notes that in case of traffic congestion, they should work with the traffic department to identify and utilize alternative routes for faster ambulance movement.
The health department directed regular training sessions for ambulance drivers and staff on the importance of coordinating with the traffic department for efficient movement.
The order further directed to establish a feedback mechanism to receive inputs from ambulance drivers and staff on any issues faced during transit which should be addressed promptly.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Traffic Police has issued an advisory and stressed that hospital referrals should be a priority.
The advisory asked hospital administration and other healthcare centres operating in Kashmir valley to communicate with the department’s control room for hassle free movement of patients within the municipal limits of Srinagar.
Traffic Police advised commuters to pave way for ambulances carrying patients to referral hospitals, failing which a fine of rupees 10,000 and imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months will be invoked under Section 194E Motor Vehicles Act.
“In case of any medical emergency movement, hospital administration and other health care centers operating in Kashmir are advised to communicate with the Traffic Police Control Room for hassle free movement of patients within municipal limits of Srinagar,” it said.
It further asked the drivers of the medical emergency vehicles carrying patients and attendants shall keep close liaison with Traffic Control Unit on helpline numbers during the transit of patients to hospital for hassle-free passage.
“All the commuters on road are advised to pave way for ambulances, especially carrying patients to referral hospitals, failure to provide passage to the medical emergency vehicles (ambulances) is violation under section 194E Motor Vehicle Act and carries fine of Rs. 10,000 and imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months,” the advisory said.
The advisory added that the Traffic Police Department has a 24×7 Control Room wherein citizens can get real-time assistance concerning Traffic on Telephone No’s: 0194-2450022, 2485396/ Toll Free No. 18001807091/Special Service No. 103.