Sanjeevani 108 ambulance stolen from Chhattisgarh medical College hospital

A government-run ambulance was stolen from the premises of the Ambikapur Medical College Hospital in Chhattisgarh, raising serious questions about the adequacy of security protocols at one of the region’s key healthcare facilities. What has particularly alarmed authorities is that the theft of the Sanjeevani 108 emergency vehicle went unnoticed for several days, prompting concerns over administrative oversight and surveillance failure.

The stolen ambulance, part of the state’s emergency response fleet, was parked within the hospital compound—an area believed to be under round-the-clock security surveillance. Despite the presence of 24-hour guards and a network of CCTV cameras, no alarm was raised until days later. The hospital authorities eventually filed a formal complaint with Manipur Police Station, after which an investigation was initiated.

Advertisement

“This incident raises serious concerns about the hospital’s internal security. Preliminary investigation suggests that the vehicle was stolen from within the secured compound without triggering any immediate alert,” said Manish Kumar, a senior journalist from Ambikapur. Additional Superintendent of Police Amolak Singh Dhillon said, “We have registered a case, and CCTV footage from the premises is being thoroughly examined.”

The Sanjeevani 108 ambulance service, vital for emergency healthcare transport in remote areas, has previously been lauded for its quick response during crises. A senior citizen from Ambikapur, who is currently hospitalised for treatment and spoke on condition of anonymity, described the incident as “unprecedented” and urged for swift action.

Sources in the hospital acknowledged that previous petty thefts, such as stolen motorcycles and mobile phones, had occurred, but never on this scale. “The theft of an entire ambulance suggests organised planning and possibly an inside hand,” a security consultant familiar with hospital audits said.

While police investigations are ongoing, the hospital administration has promised to enhance surveillance and reevaluate current security protocols. For a facility that serves thousands of patients and is entrusted with emergency services, the incident comes as a wake-up call.

As investigations progress, the incident has triggered a broader conversation on institutional accountability and the effectiveness of public infrastructure management. For a facility responsible for emergency medical response, the unnoticed disappearance of a vital service vehicle is a stark reminder that security mechanisms must not only exist but function with precision. Ensuring that such breaches are not repeated will require both administrative reforms and a renewed commitment to operational vigilance.