Kalyan: In a tragic loss of life due to delay caused by the non-availability of ambulance, a 43-year-old woman lost her life at Rukminibai civic hospital in Kalyan West.  

The deceased, identified as Savita Virajdar, a resident of Kolsewadi in Kalyan East, was rushed to Rukminibai hospital on May 5.

Upon preliminary examination, doctors suspected stroke and recommended Virajdar’s immediate transfer to a better facility with an intensive care unit (ICU).

However, despite repeated efforts, neither private ambulance nor the 108 service, the free emergency response system providing pre-hospital care and transportation to medical facilities, was available to evacuate Savita to a larger facility. As a result, she remained in the hospital even as her condition worsened. “The woman remained unattended for nearly five hours before she tragically passed away,” a hospital source said.

Following the tragic death, KDMC has initiated an inquiry into the matter. “A committee has been formed to investigate the delay. If any staff member is found guilty of negligence or misconduct, strict action will be taken,” Dr Deepa Shukla, senior medical officer, KDMC, said.

“The staff of the 108 ambulance service had informed the family that considerable time would be required to reach the hospital,” she said.

The woman’s relatives have blamed hospital mismanagement for the tragedy and are demanding justice.