Edathua: Despite the presence of 108 ambulance services at Community Health Centres (CHCs), accident victims and patients struggle to reach hospitals during night hours. With most private ambulances refusing service after dusk, police vehicles often become the only immediate help
On Wednesday evening, a call to the 108 ambulance service following two accidents received a cold response: no ambulances were available nearby. This was despite an ambulance being stationed at the Edathua CHC, less than two kilometres from the scene. The accidents occurred when two scooters collided along the Edathua–Veeyapuram Road near Pothukunnel Bridge. One scooter, carrying a man and a pregnant woman, rammed into the other. Panchayat member P C Joseph repeatedly tried contacting the 108 ambulance service, but there was no response.

Several private ambulances also declined to respond, citing the late hour. Around the same time, Amrita, a private bank employee from Haripad, was injured when her scooter hit a pothole at Kizhakkekkara–Kelamangalam Junction near Thakazhi Bridge on the Ambalapuzha–Thakazhi Road. Sabu, a passing mini tempo-traveller driver, rescued her and tried to contact the 108 ambulance service but was unsuccessful. She was eventually taken to the medical college hospital in a private car.

Although hospitals in Veliyanad, Chambakkulam, and Edathua in Kuttanad are equipped with 108 ambulances, their services are currently available only from 6 pm to 6 pm. Edathua panchayat health standing committee chairperson P C Joseph has already petitioned the health minister and district collector, but the nighttime ambulance service remains unavailable.
Residents and local authorities are now calling for round-the-clock ambulance services to ensure timely medical care in emergencies.