Kupwara, Aug 21: A family was allegedly denied an ambulance to transport the body of a deceased relative from Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kupwara despite six ambulances being parked on the hospital premises, forcing the family to arrange a private vehicle, sources said.

The incident prompted MLA Kupwara Mir Muhammad Fayaz to reach the hospital, where he reportedly questioned officials over the circumstances in which the family was left without an ambulance despite the availability of vehicles on the premises.
The family was ultimately compelled to hire a private vehicle to ferry the deceased, according to people familiar with the incident.
The episode has triggered resentment among local residents, who questioned the functioning of emergency and patient-support services at the hospital and alleged that families of poor patients are often made to face unnecessary difficulties.
Locals further alleged that rude and allegedly insensitive behaviour by some doctors and officials has become a recurring complaint at the hospital, particularly among people seeking treatment or assistance for their family members.
The MLA Mir Muhammad Fayaz termed the incident unfortunate saying that not a single driver was available in the hospital. He castigated government over the ailing health sector which lacks accountability.