Dhading, February 8:

Patients referred to hospitals in Kathmandu for treatment have been deprived of treatment after security forces, citing security reasons, took the only ambulance belonging to the Dhading District Hospital under their control at Nagdhunga last evening, the district hospital stated.

Patients referred to the hospitals have been compelled to stay in the district hospital due to unavailability of the ambulance and other means of transport due to the Maoist-called bandh, staffers at the hospital said.

Patients have been bearing the brunt as the ambulance has been taken under control, the Dhading Ambulance Management Committee said.

Two pregnant women admitted to the hospital were rushed to Kathmandu in an ambulance

called from Gajuri, the hospital said. The conditions of other patients, too, had begun deteriorating, the district hospital further said.

Meanwhile, the Dhading bazaar remained closed on the fourth day of the bandh. Roads looked deserted as there was no vehicular movement.