With ambulance shortage in Gurugram, relatives carry Covid-19 victims in autos, cars for last rites

Gurugram has failed to keep pace with the growing demand for hospital beds, oxygen, and now ambulances. Relatives are forced to carry Covid-19 victims in auto-rickshaws, private vehicles for last rites in the absence of ambulances.

Amid an unprecedented health crisis due to the Covid-19 second wave, many in Haryana’s Gurugram are left with no choice but to bring their loved ones for last rites in auto-rickshaws and private cars due to a shortage of ambulances in the city. The demand for ambulances increased in the city amid a surge in Covid-19 cases, which in turn resulted in a shortage of ambulances for patients. With the waiting time for an ambulance for a Covid-19 victim going up to over four hours, people are forced to take the bodies in private vehicles for cremation in Gurugram.