Unconscious girl, 11, and father put off ambulance over money dispute in Beed, video goes viral

An incident from Maharashtra's Beed district has shocked people. It is alleged that an unconscious 11-year-old girl and her father were made to get off an ambulance midway because they could not pay. A video of the incident has gone viral on social media, raising questions about healthcare services in rural areas.

The incident is said to have taken place on September 29 in Dindrud village. The girl studies in Class 5. She suddenly had a seizure at school and collapsed unconscious in the classroom. Seeing her serious condition, teachers immediately admitted her to the primary health centre at Dindrud. Medical officer Dr Nilesh Dhakne examined her there and referred her for further treatment.

According to the allegation, the family did get an ambulance after the referral, but a dispute over money began on the way. It is said that the father was not in a position to pay the amount the driver demanded. For this reason, the girl and her father were asked to get off the ambulance. A social media post also alleged that the people with the primary health centre's ambulance had first asked the family for money for diesel.

In the viral video, the father is seen carrying the unconscious girl on his shoulder as he gets out of the ambulance. Someone recorded the whole incident on a mobile phone and posted it on social media.

The girl's circumstances are also said to be extremely difficult. It is said that her mother has already died. The father works as a labourer and the family has four children in all. The family was already struggling financially.

Users have expressed anger after watching the video. Many commented and demanded action against the ambulance staff. One user wrote, "In the end he lifted his unconscious daughter on his shoulder and the helpless grandmother kept walking behind. Why was the free 108 ambulance not called? For whom is the rule that 'ambulances are only for pregnant women'? So much noise is made about the 'Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram', so why did a poor girl's life get stuck over diesel money?" Another user wrote, "Nothing gets done without taking money", and yet another wrote, "Money has become dearer to them than the girl's life".