Anantnag, August 10, 2026 : A nine-year-old boy referred from Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag to Srinagar was reportedly forced to travel in a private vehicle after his family allegedly failed to secure an ambulance through the 108 emergency service, raising concerns over the availability of emergency referral transport at the hospital.
The child, identified as Moosa, a resident of Kokernag, was initially taken to a health facility in Kokernag after he reportedly fell down a flight of stairs and subsequently developed persistent vomiting. He was later referred to GMC Anantnag for further medical evaluation and treatment.
After examining the child, doctors at GMC Anantnag reportedly advised the family to take him to Srinagar for further treatment.
Family Allegedly Unable to Reach 108 Ambulance Service
According to the child’s attendants, the family made repeated attempts to contact the 108 ambulance service, but the number was allegedly busy each time. With no ambulance reportedly available, the family had to arrange a private vehicle to transport the child to Srinagar.
The incident has raised concerns over the availability of functional emergency ambulances at GMC Anantnag, particularly for patients who require urgent referral to higher medical centres.
GMC Principal Acknowledges Ambulance Shortage
When contacted, GMC Anantnag Principal Dr Junaid S. Wani acknowledged that the hospital has three ambulances, but two are currently under repair.
“We have three ambulances at GMC Anantnag, and two of them are under repair. I will look into the matter,” Dr Wani told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
This means that, at the time of the reported incident, only one of the hospital’s three ambulances was operational, according to the Principal.
Attendant Questions Emergency Transport Facilities
An attendant accompanying the child questioned whether the existing emergency transport facilities are adequate for a major healthcare institution catering to patients from several districts.
The attendant said GMC Anantnag should have sufficient functional ambulances, particularly because patients from more than three districts depend on the institution for specialised healthcare.
He also urged the Government to intervene and strengthen ambulance facilities at the hospital rather than leaving patients and their families to arrange private transport during emergency referrals.
Calls for Round-the-Clock Ambulance Availability
The incident has brought renewed attention to emergency referral and ambulance services at GMC Anantnag. Patient attendants have called for adequate and fully functional ambulances to remain available around the clock so that patients requiring urgent treatment at higher centres do not face delays or additional hardship.
The reported incident also highlights the importance of ensuring that emergency transport services remain accessible and responsive, especially when critically ill or vulnerable patients need immediate referral.
