100-metre radius around hospitals in Bhagalpur declared traffic-free zone

Patna: Even as rules mandate unobstructed passage for ambulances, emergency vehicles continue to lose critical time in traffic snarls, often getting stuck near major hospitals where encroachments and congestion block entry points, putting patients’ lives at risk. The problem is severe near major govt hospitals, where roads and entry routes are frequently clogged by autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and other vehicles.

The issue recently came up at a meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti in Bhagalpur, where officials decided to declare a 100-metre radius around hospitals as a zero-tolerance zone for encroachment and traffic obstruction. It was also decided that action would be taken against police personnel who fail to assist ambulances caught in traffic jams.

Bhagalpur DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary on Saturday said that instructions had been issued to keep the area around Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JNMCH) free of all encroachments. “Police have also been sensitised to respond with urgency when ambulances carrying patients are stuck in traffic. While maintaining law and order is their duty, there must also be a humanitarian approach in such situations,” he said.

He added that hospital gate staff had also been trained to respond quickly when ambulances arrive, ensuring no delay at entry points.

Health department secretary Kumar Ravi said a standard protocol already mandates priority for ambulances on roads. He added that complaints regarding encroachments near Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) and Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) had led to corrective action. “After receiving complaints, steps were taken to clear encroachments and ensure no obstruction near hospital gates,” Ravi said.

Officials said the renewed focus on clearing hospital approaches and enforcing ambulance priority is aimed at reducing avoidable delays in emergency care, where even seconds can make the difference between life and death.