Bike ambulances on life support

NT Correspondent

 Bengaluru

 The bike ambulance service which was introduced in the city in 2015 for providing emergency services to those injured in accidents is now facing an existential crisis. Out of 19 bike ambulances in the city, only 13 are working.

The challenges include staff shortage, low acceptance among the public and vehicle maintenance. In fact, the six bike ambulances that are currently out of service need extensive repairs.

Bengaluru was the first to introduce bike ambulances in the country. Its aim was to reduce the number of deaths due to road accidents and to provide quick medical care amid traffic jams. But these services have not been well received by the public.

 According to data provided by the health department, from 2018 to the end of July 2022, 92,905 people have received this service in the city. However, the year-on-year figures indicate that the number of people availing bike ambulance service is on the decline.

 A health department official has said it is a challenge for the riders to reach a place quickly if there is traffic congestion. Hence the accident victims are often deprived of crucial emergency assistance on time.

 Bike ambulance riders have to take care of the injured. So only those who have studied nursing courses are eligible for this job. However, nursing graduates are reluctant to take up this service. A health department official said they are more interested in serving with hospital premises.