What ails CATS ambulances?

Vehicles running without mandatory insurance

What ails CATS ambulances?

Vehicles running without mandatory insurance

Here's another problem with Delhi's healthcare system that has the Commonwealth Games at the roots. The health department purchased 30 advanced life support ambulances (ALS) which are run by the Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS).

Van-ity fair: Ambulance parked at Babu Jagjivan Ram Hospital in Delhi.
(Below) Story done by MiD DAY on April 19.

Apparently, the ambulances which were purchased with an aim to ensure better and quicker emergency medical services to the people are still not insured. CATS officials confirmed this news to MiD DAY.

"None of the ambulances are insured. They have been promising us since last year. But nothing has been done in this area. These ambulances were procured with an aim to provide better services to the public. If the ambulances are not insured, how can we be confident while driving them?" said a CATS official on the condition of anonymity.

The primary objectives of CATS are to reach the site of accident or emergency as quickly as possible, to provide primary treatment to the patient and quick and safe transportation to the hospital. This also involves liaising with other organisation such as Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service and any other governmental agency. These ambulances get about 150 calls daily.

"The ambulances are in the name of Directorate of Health Services (DHS). They are the one who will claim insurance. But sadly they are taking the matter too lightly. These ambulances are technologically enhanced and are more prone to accidents," added an official from DHS on the condition of anonymity.

"CATS ambulances do not come under Directorate of Health Services directly, so I cannot say anything about it," said Dr Kamath, director, Directorate of Health Services (DHS).

The other side
Meanwhile, the health secretary completely disagreed saying the ambulances are insured and there is no such problem. "All the ambulances are insured. There is no problem like that," said Dr Ajay Kumar Singhla, special secretary, Health Department.

Cats scan
Centralised Accident and Trauma Services (CATS) was conceptualised as a plan scheme in 1984 during the 6th Five Year Plan. The scheme was to be implemented under the aegis of All India Institute of Medical Science (AllMS). In April, 1988, the ambulance service was transferred to the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) with a fleet of 14 ambulances. Since the service required multi sectoral coordination, it was later decided that the scheme may be implemented by a society registered for the purpose. Consequently, CATS society was formed by Delhi Administration as a registered society In June, 1989.

The West Zone Pilot Project (WZPP) was inaugurated on 15.3.1991 by then Lt. Governor Markandey Singh after the second annual meeting, of the Governing Body of CATS. The primary objectives of CATS are to reach the site of the accident as quickly as possible, to give first-aid to the patient, quick and safe transportation of the patient to the hospital, to involve liaise with other organisation as Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Service and any other governmental agencies for the benefit and the care of the accident victims.

Central Control Room of CATS is situated at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital at Hari Nagar. Calls are received through the four digit no. "1099" allotted to CATS. There are 10 lines available on telephone No.1099. Calls are also received through Delhi Police and Delhi Fire Service.