The 108 ambulance service, which has been a life-saving angel for the people across Goa unfortunately failed to save the life of one of its own employees.

Outraged by the death of Vistaar Varadkar, a young 108 ambulance driver, the North Goa service staff of 108 ambulance went on strike.

The staff accused the management for the death of Varadkar who was forced to work, even though he had asked for a leave as he was feeling uneasy.

Speaking to the media persons, an employee of 108 service staff said that, “the management had instructed them to keep all the ambulances functional, if the newly inducted Health Minister pays a surprise visit for inspection, the management had started pressurising all the ambulance staff, stating that no leave will be granted to them, due to which Vistaar Varadkar was denied leave and was forced to work even though he was sick,”

Vistaar was on duty in Siolim, after his condition got worse, he stopped the ambulance and got admitted at Asilo hospital where he suffered a heart attack and breathed his last.

“The ambulances are not well maintained, there is no facility for an ECG in the ambulance if there was an ECG machine in the ambulance then appropriate treatment could have saved Vistaar’s life,” said a 108 worker.

The service staff further said that they will demand to the Health Minister Vishwajit Rane to look into the matter and direct the company to pay a compensation of rupees 10 lakh to the family of the deceased, they further said that strict action should be taken against Suraj Naik and Gajesh Lamgaonkar who are officers in the management.

Team TNV