Bhatka: Drivers of private ambulances staged a flash protest in the premises of Anandashram in the town on Thursday, condemning the move of Udupi district administration, which has prohibited the movement of private ambulances carrying patients for treatment in Udupi district.

Addressing protesters, ambulance driver Abdul Khaliq said, with lack of multi-speciality hospital facility in Uttara Kannada, people of district including Bhatkal visit Udupi, Manipal, and Mangaluru to avail treatment for various diseases. People use private ambulances in emergency services. However, after Bhatkal has been announced as Covid-19 hotspot, private ambulances are being stopped at Shirur check-post on their way to Udupi, he accused.

Uttara Kannada deputy commissioner is issuing passes to the people to move from the district in medical emergencies. However, according to Udupi police, their deputy commissioner has issued orders to them not to allow entry of any ambulance in the district. Hence, they are not letting us enter Udupi, said Rabita Society’s private ambulance driver Aman Shabbir.

If any ambulance driver visits the hospitals in Udupi district along with the patients in an emergency situation, quarantine seals are being put on their hands along with the patients. This is creating problems for us, as people are not preferring us to provide services, he added.

Zilla Aranya Atikramana Horata Vedike President and advocate A Ravindra Naik said, Udupi district administration should withdraw its order within three days and allow the movement of private ambulances to enter Udupi and Dakshin Kannada district in medical emergencies. Otherwise, a PIL will be filed in High Court, he added.