Udupi: Patient rushed to hospital in goods tempo as 108 Ambulance unavailable

Udupi: Patient rushed to hospital in goods tempo as 108 Ambulance unavailable

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, December 8, 2025: A patient in Udyaavara, Udupi, had to be rushed to the hospital in a goods tempo after no ambulance was available between 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM on Thursday. Vishu Shetty Ambalpadi laid a stretcher in his tempo and personally transported the patient to the district hospital.

The patient’s relatives had called the 108 ambulance service, but no vehicle was available. Private ambulances were also unreachable, so they contacted Vishu Shetty. Despite attempting to arrange a private ambulance, none could be secured. With the patient’s condition becoming critical, Vishu Shetty had no choice but to use his goods tempo to ensure the patient received hospital care.

Vishu Shetty highlighted that for the past year, 108 ambulances have not been reliably available, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of patients. He has repeatedly brought this to the government’s attention, but no action has been taken. In this incident, the patient faced a worrying delay of over two hours due to ambulance unavailability, forcing Vishu Shetty to intervene personally.

He appealed to the government and district administration to take urgent measures and ensure public safety. He added that although Udupi district has 18 ambulances under the 108 service, only 5–6 are actually operational.

— Vishu Shetty Ambalpadi