The State government owned ambulances were extremely busy in transporting patients to government hospitals until a few months ago. But the ambulances, which were not in good condition, have been lying on the campus of Deputy Director of Health Services for long due to inordinate delay in auctioning them.
While a few ambulances have joined the list only recently, many of them have been lying there for more than two years. They belonged to Tiruchi, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Karur and Pudukottai.
According to sources, more than 100 ambulances used for several years after running about 2 lakh km have been kept on the campus for auctioning.
Those ambulances that met with accidents have been kept for repair and maintenance.
As per the standard procedure, substandard vehicles would be subjected to minimum value by a team of officials from the Regional Transport Office.
Based on the value, the vehicles would be auctioned. But, it is learnt that the Joint Directorate of Health Services in Tiruchi is yet to take step for fixing value of these vehicles.
A senior official said that some vehicles were in good condition.
However, they could not be used since ambulances should be in excellent condition to carry patients safely to hospitals. Remaining vehicles would be subjected to auction soon.