The ambulance facility at Aundh Chest Hospital (ACH) is in a precarious condition. Authorities claim that one ambulance is sufficient for the 120-bedded hospital, whereas activists argue that it is inadequate, as patients suffer due to the limited number of ambulances. The hospital has only two ambulance drivers, one of whom has been suspended, leaving just one driver to operate the ambulance. This situation makes it impossible for the driver to work around the clock.

ACH, a 120-bedded hospital, was established in 1949 and was initially reserved for patients suffering from tuberculosis. Health activist Sharad Shetty alleged that the hospital is not well-equipped, with only one ambulance and one driver, who cannot work in three shifts.

"Earlier, the ambulance was in a very poor condition, and a few months ago, they received a 102 (State) ambulance from Indapur, but it is a 12-year-old vehicle. Many patients face issues due to the lack of ambulance facilities. The state sanctioned a 12-seater (102) ambulance to the Aundh district hospital, but patients still suffer because of the limited number at ACH," Shetty said.

Here's what hospital say

An official from the hospital, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, "Earlier, the ambulance was in a very bad condition, and now it is just parked and not being used. The ACH got another ambulance from a rural hospital, but it’s not new. The issue is that we had two drivers, one of whom was suspended due to a bogus certificate. The other driver operates, but he can't cover three shifts. The hospital higher-ups should request more ambulances. There are 108 ambulances here, but there are a few drivers. If there’s an emergency, even if there are 108 ambulances parked, who will drive them? They should consider hiring more drivers."

Dr. Abhijeet Hosmani, Superintendent of Chest Hospital Aundh, Pune, said, "We have one ambulance, and it is enough for us. I don’t think there’s a need for another one. We also have 108 ambulances parked in our building, so in case of an emergency, they can assist us. If there’s any shortage, which usually never happens, we can always request ADH as they have a good number of 102 ambulances available 24×7."