‘Black Ambulance’ to Take Corpses to ‘R.I.P’ Destination is ‘Rusting In Peace?’
Wanted Drivers? Black Ambulance sitting in the premises of Govt. Wenlock Hospital-Mangaluru meant to Take Those to their ‘R.I.P’ Destination is ‘Rusting In Peace?’
Mangaluru: It’s been months that a “Black Ambulance” has been sitting in the premises of Government Wenlock Hospital-Mangaluru, which was suppose to be used for ferrying corpses from the hospital to their respective destinations is “Rusting In Peace”-the main reason being, the administration can’t find a designated driver, even after floating four-five tenders. Last year speaking to media, District Surgeon and Wenlock Hospital Superintendent Dr Rajeshwari Devi had said, “In almost all districts, non-government organizations (NGO) have come forward and signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with government hospitals to operate the black ambulance. But here even after tenders were given out, we were not able to find a suitable driver to operate the black ambulance.
It was also decided to run the black ambulance by outsourcing the posts of the driver and the cleaner. On the reasons behind zero response to operating the black ambulance, ambulance operators in the city said tender conditions were vague. The tender documents gave an impression that no fare should be collected from those who sought to shift corpses. There was no clarity on who will pay the salary of the driver, cleaner, fuel and other maintenance costs. In response to this, Dr Rajeshwari denying any confusion in tenders had said that a MoU will be signed with a registered NGO- under the condition that the ambulance has to be parked in front of Wenlock Hospital’s Administrative Complex. The MoU includes fare to be fixed per kilometer which is economical when compared to fares of other private ambulances.
That was said by Dr Rajeshwari a few months ago, and until today the ambulance has not been moved from that spot. This afternoon when Team Mangalorean contacted Dr Julain Saldanha, RMO-Wenlock Hospital, he directed us to contact DHO Dr Ramakrishna at the District Health Office, since they have been assigned to take care of the black ambulance service. When we contacted Dr Ramakrishna he said, ” We are still looking for a reliable driver- at first we will start with one driver, but eventually we will go for two or more.
Drivers will be paid, only the service of transporting the corpses is free, which will be borne by the administration. We are looking for a driver from outsource or even NGO or other organizations who are ready to maintain the black ambulance service we are ready for the deal. We have no idea why no one is coming forward to take up the driver job of this black ambulance”.
In conclusion, could be due to the confusions lingering over the tender documents, the wait for the black ambulance service is set to continue. Anyone interested or knows a person who could be a driver of this “Black Ambulance” can call DHO Dr Ramakrishna at 9449843050; 9845984331