A serious and concerning issue has come to light regarding ambulance operations inside a government hospital. The matter highlights alleged discrimination, overcharging, and misuse of authority that is directly affecting patients and grieving families.
Government Ambulances Not Shifting Patients or Dead Bodies
According to reports, the government ambulances stationed inside the hospital premises do not shift patients outside the hospital limits. Even more alarming, they reportedly refuse to transport dead bodies.
Families are told that services are only available within the hospital boundaries. If a patient needs to be shifted elsewhere, or if a deceased person needs to be transported, the government ambulance does not provide that service.
Private Ambulances Not Allowed Entry
Private ambulance operators claim they are not allowed to enter the hospital premises.
When a private ambulance arrives:
- It is stopped at the gate.
- Patients must be shifted from stretcher to stretcher at the roadside.
- Hospital staff allegedly call specific “approved” vehicles from inside.
- Only selected ambulances are allowed to enter.
Private operators state that only 5–6 specific vehicles, allegedly linked to influential individuals or hospital administration, are permitted inside.
Overcharging Allegations
Previously, the transportation fee was around 3000 PKR. Now, families report being charged 6000 PKR or more.
It is alleged that:
- Selected ambulances are charging double rates.
- Families are being forced to use specific vehicles.
- People in distress are being exploited during emergencies.
This creates a monopoly-like situation where certain vehicles benefit financially while others are blocked.
Contradiction with Punjab Government Notification
A notification was reportedly issued stating that no parking fee or private vehicle restriction should apply inside government hospitals.
If that is the case, then:
- Why are private ambulances restricted?
- Why are only selected vehicles allowed entry?
- Why are patients and families being forced to pay inflated charges?
Demand for Fair Policy
Private ambulance operators say they do not demand special treatment. They acknowledge that government rules must be followed. However, they request:
- Equal access for all licensed ambulances.
- Transparent and fixed ambulance rates.
- No forced selection of specific vehicles.
- Protection for patients and grieving families from exploitation.
Message to the Punjab Government
This issue calls for immediate attention from the Chief Minister of Punjab and the health authorities.
If government ambulances are not shifting patients or dead bodies outside hospital limits, then private ambulances must be allowed fair access, without discrimination and without exploitation.
Healthcare facilities should serve the public, not become centers of financial pressure during moments of emergency and grief.
Justice, transparency, and humanity must come first.