The emergency service designed to save the lives of critically ill or injured patients is known as the ambulance service. However, it has been referred to by various other names, such as mobile hospital, grassroots hospital, or even a small hospital on wheels. Regardless of what it is called, this lifesaving service is plagued by various irregularities and negligence.
Most of the vehicles operating as ambulances in the country are not really so. Many are merely converted microbuses with minimal modifications. Inside, there is often little more than a poorly maintained stretcher or trolley, with first aid equipment either absent or in unusable condition. Shockingly, these so-called ambulances, meant to transport critically ill patients, are themselves unsafe and unfit for service.
Reports suggest that muscle power, political influence, and syndicates involving the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the police are enabling this malpractice. Ambulances are supposed to have paramedics, but this essential requirement is routinely ignored. According to statistics, there are approximately 9,000 ambulances across the country, a significant proportion of which is converted vehicles that fail to meet the required standards. Most of these ambulances are privately owned, and many are merely microbuses registered as ambulances, with BRTA officials allegedly complicit in the crime.
Alarmingly, all these converted ambulances bear official registration from the BRTA, despite clear violations of rules. The law prohibits altering the exterior colour or structure of a vehicle without BRTA approval, yet microbuses are being transformed into ambulances with complete disregard for these regulations. The modifications are often superficial, involving minor changes in seating arrangements and the addition of a siren, while essential medical equipment such as oxygen cylinders, stretchers, patient beds, and a paramedic's seat are missing.
Such irregularities in a crucial service must be addressed immediately. The authorities must take decisive action to halt this malpractice and ensure that ambulances meet the standards to provide life-saving services.
Ashikujaman Syed
Business Development Manager
Fuyi (Xiamen) Material Technology Co. Ltd
Xiamen, China
syedashikujaman@yahoo.com
