DHANGADHI: The Ministry of Social Development of Sudurpaschim Province was found to have procured ambulances that were converted from outdated mini trucks. It has been revealed that the ambulances — purchased for distribution in nine districts of the province — were converted from mini trucks of a 2014 model (407/031-4 2121) produced by Tata Motors. The company has already stopped the production and distribution of this model of vehicles.

  The trucks are said to cost around Rs 1,885,000 including the custom duty. However, when ambulances are imported, there is a waiver of custom duty, further bringing down the cost. According to the information officer at the Ministry, Hem Raj Khadka, the Ministry had bought 16 converted trucks at the rate of Rs 3,907,000 per vehicle, amounting to a total of Rs 63,520,000 (including the taxes). However, the price of the trucks before conversion into ambulances cost only around Rs 800,000, which would amount to a total of Rs 12,800,000 for 16 trucks. According to sources, the purchased trucks are of a failed model which consumes a lot of fuel, lacks good speed and does not have a good braking system. The distributed ambulances have been stored in multiple locations as they are not suitable in the hilly terrain, lamented a municipality mayor who received the ambulance.

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Where have the ambulances been distributed?

Darchula	Naugaad, Duhu Rural Municipality Health Post
Bajhang	Rayal Primary Health Centre, Kedarsyu and Matela Health Post, Chhabis Pathibhera
Kailali	Seti Regional Hospital
Kanchanpur	Mahakali Zonal Hospital
Doti	District Hospital
Achham	Balba Health Post, Achham District Hospital, Kamal Bazaar Primary Health Centre, and Bannagadhi Health Post
Bajura	Tate Health Post
Baitadi	Sakulau Health Post and Rudeshwor Health Post
Dadeldhura	Nawadurga Health Post and Jogbudha Hospital in Parshuram Municipality

(Translated by Sandeep Sen, Edited by Priyanka Adhikari)