Patients in Sarlahi are facing problems as the ambulance and the vehicle meant to carry the dead have not been brought into operation by the District Hospital. The vehicles which were bought through government funds have been lying idle on the premises of the hospital even as people have to hire private ambulances at a higher cost.

Though a tender to purchase the ambulance and vehicle to carry the dead was issued towards the end of the last fiscal year the process could not move ahead due to some legal issues. It was only about three months back that the vehicles were bought. However, they have not been put into service.

Apparently, the District Hospital already had an ambulance before purchasing the new one. However, all three vehicles have not been mobilised by the hospital authorities. Locals have made numerous complaints but the hospital has still not brought the vehicles into operation.

The hospital also owns a pick-up van which is the only vehicle being operated by the hospital at the moment. There are three drivers posted at the District Hospital. However, the drivers have purchased their own ambulances and are operating them instead of reporting for duty at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Shree Prasad Sah, health coordinator of the hospital, informed that drivers have been appointed for all three vehicles but they have not reported for duty. He said that the drivers have bought their own ambulances and are operating them instead of the government-owned vehicles.