Activists plead for relocation of 108 ambulance control room back to Karaikal GH

Concerns over delayed emergency medical response have prompted calls to shift the 108 ambulance control room back to the Government General Hospital (GH) in Karaikal. The control room, which was jointly operated from both the GH and the Directorate of Health (DD) office in Nehru Nagar, was fully shifted out of the hospital last week.

With the Director of Health office located about 1 km away from the GH, residents and activists say the relocation had impacted ambulance response times, especially due to the recently operational Peralam railway line. The movement of coal-laden freight trains on this line has increased the frequency of railway gate closure in Karaikal town, delaying ambulance access in critical situations.

“The 108 ambulance service must be stationed within Karaikal Government Hospital itself,” said I. Abdul Rahim, Karaikal district president of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK). “In case of accidents or medical emergencies in town, ambulances now have to navigate closed railway crossings, which can cost valuable time.”

A senior official from Karaikal GH confirmed that discussions are under way to address the issue. “We are aware of the logistical challenges and are making arrangements to bring back the ambulances to the GH premises at the earliest,” a senior hospital official said.