Ambulances misused: TOI makes spot-check

Nagpur: When TOI recently visited a few spots where 108 ambulances are parked, it found that two parked next to each other. They were the ones allotted to Sadar and Katol Road areas. According to rules, ambulances should be parked at strategic points 3-5 km away from each other so they are able to rush to emergency spots in shortest possible time.
Ambulances were found engaged in festivals too.Recently, one was engaged at Koradi Mahotsav for nine days and another at Deekshabhoomi fair for two days. At Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s Indira Gandhi Rugnalaya, 108 ambulance is used for local conveyance. TOI learnt this happens at some other places too.
PROBLEMS
* Driver is forced to clean blood on stretcher as nobody is appointed for this. He has not been given gloves too
* No provision to collect medical waste and dispose of it scientifically
* Mobile handsets given for receiving 108 calls are not in good condition, they break down often
* Horns and sirens not working in some ambulances
* Response for maintenance work in ambulances is slow