Bhatkal: Due to the lockdown across the country, even though the administration and social organizations try to provide all kinds of facilities to the people, many people still remain unaware of these facilities, as a result of which people have to face severe problems and difficulties. A similar incident took place in Bhatkal on Friday, when family members of a pregnant woman tried calling 108 ambulance service to take her to the hospital and remained waited for the arrival of the ambulance.

It is reported that a pregnant woman, resident of Jamiabad in Heble limits in Bhatkal, was undergoing severe pain, during which they called the 108 ambulances for their assistance, which failed to reach them despite the long wait. The family members of the woman then tried to take the pregnant woman to the hospital by auto-rickshaw which was near their house. Unfortunately,  since the auto did not have a permit (pass), the auto owners refused to take the woman to the hospital. After some time, one of the auto-rickshaw driver, who sympathized with the woman's pain, drove her to Shirali Government Hospital. But before she could get out of the rickshaw near the hospital, she gave birth to baby in the auto-rickshaw. It has been reported that both baby and the mother are healthy and have been admitted to Shirali Government Hospital.

The family members said that they waited for the ambulance for about three to four hours. They alleged that when they called 108 ambulances, they were asked with all the details and were told that an ambulance is being sent. However, when the ambulance did not arrive, they also contacted the Tahsildar.

It may be recalled that a day earlier, instructions were also issued by  Majlise Islah Wa Tanzeem following the lockdown, in which it was also mentioned that an existing ambulance would be used to assist patients. Besides, auto-rickshaw service will also be provided day and night, and for this, a helpline number was also been issued, where one can contact on 08385226422 to obtain more information.