The Chhattisgarh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a shocking news report exposing the dilapidated condition of Sanjeevani 108 ambulances, questioning how unfit emergency vehicles could be allowed to operate and transport critically ill patients. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal has directed the Health and Social Welfare Secretary to submit a detailed affidavit addressing the concerns raised in the report.
Background of the Case
The case, WPPIL No. 23 of 2025, was initiated based on a report published in the Hindi daily Haribhoomi on February 3, 2025, under the headline:
_“108 Ki Gadiya Bimar, Maintenance Ke Naam Par Ho Rahi Lipapoti” _(108 Vehicles Are in Poor Condition, Maintenance Is Just a Cover-Up)._
The report revealed that several 108 emergency ambulances, operational since 2019, were in a severe state of disrepair. Key concerns included:
– Absence of first aid kits in many ambulances.
– Broken speedometers, preventing officials from tracking vehicle usage.
– Torn seats and unhygienic conditions, making the ambulances unsafe for patients.
– Expired medicines still stocked in the vehicles.
– Lack of mandatory fitness checks, raising concerns about roadworthiness.
The report also highlighted that while state transport and traffic officials frequently inspect private and commercial vehicles, government-run ambulances were not being checked for fitness compliance.
Court’s Key Observations and Concerns
During the hearing, Additional Advocate General Y.S. Thakur appeared on behalf of the State Government. Taking note of the grave issues raised, the High Court strongly criticized the lack of oversight and remarked:
“If the vehicles/Ambulances are not in a fit state to be plied, how can they be allowed to run, and that too carrying patients with critical conditions?”
The bench further observed:
“If a person who has met with an accident is being taken in a dilapidated ambulance and the vehicle breaks down in the middle of the way, what would be the situation of that patient? This can be easily understood.”
The court emphasized that under prevailing laws, all vehicles require fitness certification, and questioned why government ambulances were being exempted from this mandate.
Court’s Directives to the State
Expressing deep concern over the potential risk to lives, the High Court issued strict directions to the Secretary, Health & Social Welfare Department, mandating:
1. A personal affidavit detailing:
– The total number of operational 108 ambulances in each district.
– Whether these ambulances meet the minimum prescribed standards.
– The availability of essential medical equipment and first aid kits.
2. Clarification on staffing and vehicle maintenance, including:
– The number of drivers and paramedics available.
– The process of fitness certification and responsible officials.
3. Immediate assessment of expired medicines and their removal from emergency vehicles.
The court directed that these details must be furnished before the next hearing on February 14, 2025.
