Uttarakhand, December 7, 2024:
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken serious note of the tragic incident involving a bereaved family in Berinag, Pithoragarh. Expressing strong displeasure, the Chief Minister directed Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure strict action against those responsible.
The incident came to light when a family from Pithoragarh faced severe financial difficulties after losing their son, who died by suicide in Halduchaur. Ambulance drivers reportedly demanded exorbitant fares ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹12,000 to transport the deceased’s body to Pithoragarh. Unable to afford the amount, the family called a local Bolero driver and transported the body tied to the vehicle’s roof—a deeply distressing situation highlighting serious gaps in the emergency response system.
Following the Chief Minister’s directives, Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar stated that relevant officials have been asked for an immediate explanation. He assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty.
Additionally, Chief Minister Dhami instructed all officials to implement measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Authorities emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure no family suffers such indignity again due to systemic failures.
The incident has sparked public outrage and raised critical questions about the state’s healthcare infrastructure and the regulation of emergency transport services. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on accountability and long-term reforms in Uttarakhand’s healthcare system.
