No Ambulance Available, Husband and 8-Year-Old Son Carry Wife’s Body on Trolley in Faridabad

Faridabad, Haryana: Once again, the insensitivity of the public health system has come to light. After a woman undergoing treatment for tuberculosis (TB) passed away at BK Hospital, her family found no ambulance or mortuary vehicle to transport her body. Left with no option, the husband and their 8-year-old son had to carry her body home on a hand-pulled trolley, highlighting a disturbing lapse in government services.

Struggle to Transport the Body:
The deceased, who had been battling TB for the past three months, was under treatment at BK Hospital. Her condition worsened, prompting referrals to Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS, Delhi, before she was brought back to BK Hospital. She died during treatment, and despite repeated requests, no government vehicle was provided to transport her body.

The husband, Gungun, said that after wandering around the hospital premises seeking help, he finally decided to place his wife’s body on a trolley and take it home to Saran village, approximately 7 km away. Their 8-year-old son accompanied them during the heart-wrenching journey.

Lack of Awareness About Available Services:
While the Red Cross provides a ‘Harsh Van’ stationed near the mortuary for body transport, families need to coordinate through the hospital’s control room. Gungun was unaware of this facility, and private ambulances reportedly demanded high fees, which the family could not afford.

Financial Strain for Final Rites:
Gungun, originally from Bihar, is currently living in Saran village on rent and now faces additional hardship, saying that he may need to take a loan for his wife’s last rites. Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. M.P. Singh stated that the hospital does provide the Red Cross ‘Harsh Van’ service, but families must contact the hospital’s control room to avail of it, and private ambulance charges are beyond their purview.

This tragic incident raises serious questions about public health preparedness, accessibility of mortuary services, and the need for compassionate support during emergencies in Haryana.