Ambulance drivers in rural Pune, struggling with four months of unpaid salaries, have questioned the state government’s decision to purchase 132 mortuary vans worth Rs35 crore, which remain unused. They argue that the funds could have been used to pay salaries and procure more ambulances instead.

The hearses were purchased in September 2024 during the tenure of former health minister Tanaji Sawant. However, they have been lying idle for over three months near Dr Naidu Hospital in Pune. Ambulance drivers and activists claim that there is no need for these vehicles when ambulance services remain inadequate.

According to civil hospital sources, Maharashtra has 937 ambulances under the 108 service, with 85 deployed in Pune district, of which 40 serve urban Pune. The number of ambulances is already insufficient, and drivers who lost their lives while on duty have not received compensation. Additionally, neither doctors nor drivers operating these ambulances have medical insurance.

Drivers in dire straits

Vasudev Mungase, a 34-year-old 102 ambulance driver from Alandi Rural Hospital, has had to borrow money from friends and family to survive. “Nobody talks about ambulance drivers. I have been working day and night, but I haven’t received a single rupee in four months. They say we’ll be paid when funds are available. My children are in school, and I’m struggling to manage. The government had money to buy mortuary vans but not to pay us. Instead of these vans, they should have increased 102 ambulance services,” he said.

Uttam Thakar, an ambulance driver from Maval Rural Hospital, echoed similar concerns. “The government should focus on increasing ambulance services and hiring more drivers, not buying mortuary vans we don’t need. I have been in this profession for a long time, and I know where the real needs are. I have not been paid for three and a half months. Drivers at Primary Health Centres are even worse off, with salary backlogs of more than six months. ZP officials say there are no funds for our salaries, yet they found money for these mortuary vans,” he said.

Allegations of misuse of funds

Health activist Sharad Shetty alleged that the procurement of these hearses was a misuse of public funds under then-health minister Sawant. “These vehicles were inaugurated in Thane by the then chief minister Eknath Shinde, but they are now gathering dust in Pune. Tenders worth Rs35 crore were issued for these vehicles, yet their purpose remains questionable. There is a lack of ambulances to transport the deceased, while private ambulances charge exorbitant fees. Why are such expensive tenders being issued when basic services are lacking?” Shetty asked.

Government defends purchase

Dr Vaijanath Galande, Deputy Director of Health Services (Transport), defended the purchase. “We have procured 100 mortuary vans, which are not specifically for Pune but will be distributed across the state. These vans were in demand, especially in rural areas. Drivers will be hired on a contractual basis. The allocation and distribution process is pending approval, after which the vans will be put to use,” he said.

Features of mortuary vans

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, an official outlined the features of the vans. “They can transport bodies 200-300 km while maintaining a temperature of 2-8 degrees Celsius. The AC runs on battery and charges while driving,” he said.

The first lot of 32 mortuary vans was purchased on Aug 6, 2024, for Rs10.54 crore. Another 25 vans were procured on Jan 16, 2025, followed by 27 on Jan 27, 2025, and 50 on Feb 7, 2025. The tender was awarded to VE Commercials, with a 120-day work order to deliver all the vehicles.