A 67-year-old critically ill man died in a disturbing incident at Satna district hospital in Madhya Pradesh after becoming trapped inside a 108 emergency ambulance whose rear door malfunctioned and jammed at the hospital gate, highlighting serious shortcomings in the district’s emergency medical response system. The man, identified as Ram Prasad, was being transferred from the Ramnagar Community Health Centre to the district hospital for advanced treatment when the incident occurred.
According to his family, Ram Prasad collapsed at his home early on Saturday morning while sitting near a fire to keep warm. Alarmed by his condition, relatives rushed him to the Ramnagar CHC, where doctors administered initial medical aid. Given the seriousness of his condition, he was referred to the district hospital and transported in a 108 ambulance for further treatment.
When the ambulance arrived at the gate of the district hospital, the situation took a tragic turn. The rear door of the vehicle reportedly became stuck and would not open, preventing medical staff and attendants from accessing the patient. Videos from the scene show bystanders and hospital staff frantically trying to pry the door open using force, including kicking and striking it, while the ambulance driver attempted to climb inside through a window.
After a prolonged and desperate effort, the jammed door was eventually forced open and Ram Prasad was removed from the ambulance on a stretcher. However, doctors at the hospital examined him and declared him dead on arrival, deepening the anguish of the family and sparking outrage over the handling of the emergency.
In response, officials from the district health department stated that, according to their assessment, the patient had already died before the ambulance reached the hospital. Satna Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Manoj Shukla said a notice has been issued to the district coordination officer to determine accountability and examine whether any procedural or operational failures occurred during the transfer.
The incident has renewed criticism of the condition and maintenance of 108 ambulances in Satna district. Similar complaints and reports in recent months have pointed to recurring deficiencies in emergency healthcare infrastructure, raising concerns about patient safety and preparedness during critical medical situations.
