Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Feb 18: If vehicles on the road are found obstructing ambulances ferrying critically ill patients, they will now incur a fine of Rs 10,000 and a six-month imprisonment.
The directions in this regard have been issued today by the Traffic Department here, which also urged better coordination of ambulance drivers with the concerned authorities for unrestricted movement.
“All commuters on the road are advised to pave the way for ambulances, especially those carrying patients to referral hospitals. Failure to provide passage to medical emergency vehicles (ambulances) is a violation under section 194E of the Motor Vehicle Act, carrying a fine of Rs. 10,000 and imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months,” the directions stated.
The Traffic Department further stated that in case of any medical emergency movement, hospital administration, and other healthcare centers operating in the Kashmir valley, “are advised to communicate with the Traffic Police Control Room for hassle-free movement of patients within municipal limits of Srinagar.”
It has also been noted that the drivers of the medical emergency vehicles carrying patients and the attendants shall maintain close liaison with the Traffic Control Unit on the mentioned helpline numbers during the transit of patients to the hospital for a hassle-free passage.
On the other hand-and as a follow-up to the directives issued by the Traffic Department-the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK), today issued a slew of directions, largely focusing on better communication, avoiding delays, and ensuring the smooth movement of patient transport.
Director, Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, said that to ensure the seamless movement of ambulances for the timely transportation of critical patients to tertiary care hospitals, all the Medical Superintendents of Kashmir division have been directed to ensure coordination with the Traffic Department when referring Critical Care Patients for further care and treatment.
“These directives have been issued to ensure the movement of ambulances in coordination with the Traffic Department,” officials said.
The directives issued note that coordination will result in ensuring priority clearance for ambulances during transit, avoiding unnecessary delays that could jeopardize patient care, and facilitating smoother traffic flow to expedite emergency responses.
All the Medical Superintendents of Kashmir division have been asked to follow several steps concerning the referral of critical patients, which include pre-approval, under which approval will be obtained from the Traffic Department for priority clearance.
The heads of the hospitals have also been directed to ensure real-time communication, under which open communication channels will be maintained with the Traffic Department to provide updates on ambulance locations and expected arrival times.
In case of traffic congestion, the administrators, as per the directions, will also work with the Traffic Department to identify and utilize alternative routes for faster ambulance movement.
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