UP: A 27-year-old patient dies gasping for air after the government ambulance’s oxygen supply ran out

Kasganj: Another case of death due to a lack of oxygen has been reported in Uttar Pradesh’s Kasganj, where a 27-year-old man died on Thursday. According to the victim’s family, he was suffering from breathing problems before being transferred to a higher level of care for better care. However, the man died on the way in an ambulance owned by the state government after it ran out of oxygen.

The deceased, identified as Nand Kumar, is a resident of Gararpura village under Soron police station. Kumar was reportedly suffering from a lung infection and was admitted to Ashok Nagar community health centre. However, as his health condition deteriorated and he started having breathing issues, Kumar was referred to the Aligarh Medical College on Thursday evening. Unfortunately, he couldn’t make it to the hospital and died on the way.

According to Kumar’s family, the ambulance driver along with the attendant abandoned the vehicle and fled the spot after noticing that the ambulance was running out of oxygen supply.

“They left the vehicle on the road and fled, leaving the patient struggling to breathe,” alleged the victim’s family.

An investigation has been initiated into the matter

Following the incident, an investigation has been initiated into the matter by the health department on Friday. As it is a case of alleged medical negligence, appropriate action would be taken based on reports of the health department, said Deputy Superintendent of police RK Tiwari, reported The Times of India.

According to the chief medical officer, Dr Anil Kumar, the victim was diagnosed with tuberculosis, following which he was referred to Aligarh hospital for better treatment. “We have initiated a probe into the incident and sought response from the ambulance service manager,” said Dr Anil adding that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible for showing negligence.

My son died in front of my eyes

“We had hardly travelled 5 km when the oxygen ran out,” said Shakuntala Devi, the victim’s mother, adding that the oxygen cylinder in the ambulance ran out within 20 minutes. Following this, the driver and attendant allegedly abandoned them. “When we asked them to arrange for a new oxygen-equipped vehicle. My son died in front of my eyes,” added Kumar’s mother.

Although the government-owned ambulance services are free of charge, the victim’s family had to pay Rs 1,200 for the 108 ambulance which is supposed to be a free service by the state health department, said Kumar’s brother, Awadesh adding that his brother lost his life due to shortage of oxygen in the ambulance.