Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has stated it is currently experiencing challenges in offering ambulance services due to an increase in demand.
Speaking at the daily press conference held at the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC), Director of Medical Services at IGMH Dr. Ali Nazeem said the public currently has to depend on ambulance services instead of other modes of transport to the hospital due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing a surge of ambulance usage. He said although the hospital has been operating 5 ambulances, it is currently unable to meet the demands as the person attending the hospital for dialysis services must also use the ambulance.
Additionally, the doctor explained the precautions taken before every trip also causes a delay in attending to cases. He said following the outbreak of the pandemic, the hospital must always prepare as if they are transferring a COVID-19 infected patient and hence, the vehicle must be disinfected before and after carrying a patient.
Clarifying IGMH is working to improve its services and cater to the increased demand, he assured the hospital will not keep the ambulances at bay and not ignore requests for its services.