No Drivers, No Deployment: Newly Purchased Ambulances Lie Unused In Pune; Raising Concerns

Pune, 12th March 2025: Nearly 100 newly purchased mortuary ambulances, procured by the state health department at a cost of crores, have been left unused for the past three months. Acquired in December 2024, these vehicles remain parked at the open space near Dr. Naidu Hospital in Pune, gathering dust. Some have deflated tires, while others have dead batteries. The delay in their distribution has raised serious concerns, with many questioning whether these ambulances will be put to use before they deteriorate further.

These state-of-the-art ambulances were purchased during the tenure of former Health Minister Tanaji Sawant at an estimated cost of ₹35 crore. Originally, they were scheduled to be distributed across various talukas by January 2025. However, their allocation has yet to take place.

The delay is particularly alarming for rural areas, where access to mortuary ambulances remains scarce. Families often struggle to transport deceased loved ones due to the unavailability of government ambulances, forcing them to rely on expensive private services. While citizens face these difficulties, the sight of unused ambulances gathering dust has sparked widespread criticism.

According to officials, the distribution process was initially planned to be completed within 100 days of their arrival. However, the lack of adequate drivers has been cited as a primary reason for the delay. A senior health department official stated that a decision regarding driver recruitment is expected soon.