Bihar Family Forced to Drag Mother's Body on Stretcher After Hospital Denies Ambulance Service

A distressing incident unfolded in Bihar's Nawada district as three men and a woman were observed pushing a stretcher carrying a deceased body through the darkness of night. The body, wrapped in a pink blanket, belonged to the mother of one of the men. He was forced to transport her remains for approximately two kilometers from a health facility to his residence after allegedly being denied ambulance services.

On Sunday evening, Ajay Sao's mother experienced a sudden illness, prompting her immediate transport to the Primary Health Centre in Akbarpur, where she subsequently passed away. When Sao requested an ambulance to bring his mother's body home for final rites, his request was reportedly denied. According to reports, a staff member informed him that the facility does not provide ambulance services for deceased individuals.

Even securing the stretcher proved challenging. Sao's wife and son were required to remain at the health center as guarantors until the stretcher was returned.

Family members recounted how they pleaded with the staff for ambulance transportation, explaining the difficulties of arranging alternative transport during late hours. "They informed us that providing an ambulance wasn't permitted, despite multiple ambulances being visibly parked at the facility," one relative stated.

"The stretcher was only provided after considerable pleading. We were told it would only be released if two family members remained behind as guarantors," the relative added.

Ajay Sao's wife described how she appealed to the staff member's humanity. "I assured him that my son and I would remain until the stretcher was brought back. Only then did he allow us to take it," she explained.

The health center has not yet released any official statement regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, family members have called for stringent action against the staff involved from the district administration.

With contributions from Ashok Priyadarshi