Deoghar: The poor state of healthcare services in Deoghar district surfaced again when a pregnant woman from Sagarajor village in Palojori block had to be taken to hospital in an e-rickshaw after no ambulance was available.
According to her family, repeated calls to the 108 ambulance service and the Mamta vehicle helpline went unanswered. With no help forthcoming, her husband, Chand Babu, was forced to hire a private e-rickshaw to take his wife, Pratima Devi, to the Palojori Community Health Centre.
Chand Babu said they managed to reach the hospital in time, but a delay could have led to a serious incident. He blamed the health department for negligence, saying that the government services meant for patients have become mere formalities.
Residents said such failures have become common, even though the state’s health minister frequently speaks of improving the system. They added that officials often dismiss such cases as minor, leaving villagers to face the consequences of poor service.