100 Ambulances Worth ₹35 Crore Lie Unused For Months In Pune
100 Ambulances Worth ₹35 Crore Lie Unused For Months In Pune
Pune: Around 100 ambulances, purchased for ₹35 crore under the tenure of former health minister Tanaji Sawant, have been lying unused for over three months near Dr. Naidu Hospital in Pune. These ambulances, meant for distribution among municipal corporations and councils across Maharashtra, have remained idle since their arrival in January 2025.
The ambulances, all air-conditioned and costing approximately ₹36 lakh each, were procured in phases—25 arrived in January, another 25 in the second phase, and the remaining 50 in February. However, despite the passage of time, none have been allocated for use. As a result, many of them now have deflated tyres, dead batteries, and are on the verge of becoming non-functional.
The delay in their deployment has sparked criticism, raising questions about the rationale behind their procurement. Health activist voiced concerns over the waste of public funds, demanding immediate distribution of the ambulances across the state. With growing public outrage, all eyes are now on Health Minister Prakash Abitkar for a resolution on their utilization.
