Dhanbad: A 21-year-old thalassaemia patient from Dhanbad district’s Katras died on Thursday after his family allegedly failed to get a 108 ambulance for several hours to shift him from Shaheed Nirmal Mahto Medical College and Hospital (SNMMCH) to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), Ranchi, raising questions over emergency referral services.The deceased, Pawan Soni, was undergoing regular treatment at SNMMCH, family members said. His condition deteriorated on the night of July 14, following which he was admitted to the hospital. Doctors later detected a serious liver-related complication and referred him to Rims for advanced care.Family members alleged that they began calling the 108 ambulance service around 11 am on Thursday to arrange transport to Ranchi. They alleged that despite repeated calls, there was no response for nearly three hours. Around 2 pm, they were told that no ambulance was available.With Pawan’s condition worsening, the family approached the Red Cross and other agencies to arrange an ambulance, but could not secure one in time. He died before he could be shifted.Social activist Ankit Rajgarhia said nearly four “crucial” hours were lost in trying to arrange an ambulance. He also flagged the absence of a dedicated day care centre for thalassaemia patients in Dhanbad, saying it was a major gap for patients needing regular treatment and monitoring.Civil surgeon Dr Alok Vishwakarma said he came to know about the case only after the patient’s death. “A detailed inquiry will be conducted and strict action taken if negligence is found,” he said.
