Birgunj, February 20:

Ambulances with the license of providing emergency support to the patients are not available on time and they also charge high amount for their services.

Eyewitnesses said some ambulances have been carrying goods for employees and commercial organizations. Chairperson of Nepal Red Cross Society Central Health Service Committee, Khem Pokhrel said some local PCOs and retail shops are doing good business in the name of providing ambulance services to patients. He added some nursing homes and hospitals are misusing the ambulances by carrying physicians and staff. A dozen ambulances are providing services. Some organisations have provided ambulances to commercial organizations on a contract basis.

“Though ambulance is the only means of providing transport facility to patients in villages, most of the ambulance owners refuse to provide services in the village” a local said.

Outgoing chairperson of Birgunj Jaycees, Dinesh Acharya regretted that though they had suggested the concerned body to stop the misuse of ambulances, no one had cared to toe the line.

The ambulance panel formed under the chairmanship of the chief district officer (CDO) has nothing to do except recommend import of ambulances. Acting CDO, Bhim Prasad Tiwari admitted that there was a lack of supervision in use of ambulances.