S Gopal Puri

Dharamshala: A severe lack of essential healthcare services and inadequate infrastructure led to a heartbreaking incident near the Himachal-Punjab border, as reported by local sources.

A family faced a dire situation when they had to transfer a critically ill patient to another facility after Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medical College, Tanda (TMC) was unable to perform an urgent stent procedure.

The patient was being rushed to Dr. Dayanand Medical College (DMC) in Ludhiana late at night, as Tanda hospital reportedly lacked the necessary resources and equipment.

Tragically, during this critical transfer, their ambulance was involved in a devastating accident near the Chhatarmal area, veering off a rain-damaged road and plunging 300 feet into a gorge. The patient died instantly, while his son-in-law and daughter suffered serious injuries.

Community members and the victim’s family have raised serious concerns about why a major referral hospital could not carry out a basic stent procedure.

This unfortunate event highlights the harsh realities faced by patients in the area, where inadequate healthcare infrastructure and hazardous, deteriorating roads during the monsoon season make emergency treatment a risky endeavor.

Residents have pointed out that the damaged roads in the Barasat area have become lethal, stating that even timely medical intervention often fails due to the treacherous conditions.

The ambulance driver, who was also injured, expressed that improved road conditions could have potentially saved lives.

This incident, as detailed in local reports, emphasizes the urgent need for significant investment in both healthcare facilities and road safety in Himachal Pradesh, to prevent emergencies from escalating into preventable tragedies.