100 ambulances in protest rally, services not hit

Around 100 ambulances run by private trusts in Thane, Vashi and Ghatkopar, came to Azad Maidan on Tuesday to extend support to the anti-corruption movement and the demand for a Jan Lokpal Bill.

Around 100 ambulances run by private trusts in Thane, Vashi and Ghatkopar, came to Azad Maidan on Tuesday to extend support to the anti-corruption movement and the demand for a Jan Lokpal Bill.

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The ambulances converged at Ghatkopar and then went towards Azad Maidan. Banners decked their vehicles, spreading awareness of the need for an independent authority to curb corruption.

The ambulance service providers said that they ensured that the rally would not inconvenience patients, who needed ambulance services. “We have ensured availability of spare ambulances to avoid any inconvenience to public. However, if the Jan Lokpal Bill is not approved soon, we will bring all our vehicles on the road,” said Vijay Mohod, who runs an ambulance service.

Hospitals and nursing homes in the city said that the ambulance rally did not affect patients who needed emergency care. “When we required an ambulance , we easily got one,” said Dr Ramesh Punjani, director of 20-bedded Pooja Nursing Home in Mulund.

Other private ambulance services had a regular day.

“We did not see any increase in the number of calls from patients,” said Sweta Mangal, chief executive officer of 1298 ambulance services, which runs 22 ambulances.