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Journalism of Courage
First-aid kits, a must have for public transport seem to be missing from the buses of Pune Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML). A survey conducted by The Indian Express found that out of 50 PMPML buses, only 17 were equipped with a first aid kit.
The Indian Express reporters had travelled along various routes across the city. First aid kits on buses along the routes of Katraj to Nigdi, Pune Station to Pimple Saudagar, Akurdi to Pune Corporation, Pune Corporation to Chikali were found to be empty. Buses plying along Pune to Lohegaon, Alandi to PMC and Nigdi Bhakti Shakti to PMC were among some of the routes where first aid kits on buses were well-stocked.
Section 138 (4) (D) of the Central Motors Vehicle Act, 1989 states that first aid kits are mandatory for all transport vehicles. the Act states that “A first-aid kit containing a tube of antiseptic cream containing 0.5% of Centrimide B.P. in a non-greasy base, sterilised dressings, sterilised elastic plaster, waterproof plaster, gauze and elastic bandage for wounds and burns,” must be present.
PMPML joint managing director Nitin Narvekar told The Indian Express, “We are in the process of tendering for first aid kits for all PMPML-owned buses. The kits will be fixed in all buses within a month. We will also inform the hired buses to install them.”
Absence of first aid kits has seen some passengers face difficulties. Pranav Shinde (83) and Sonali Shinde, were injured during an incident while travelling on bus route number 42 from Nigdi to Katraj on March 30. Shinde, 83, said, “We were just sitting on the side in the bus when suddenly the driver pressed the brakes. It all happened so fast. I fell and hurt my legs and scraped my hand. My wife, Sonali, also fell and hit her chin.” The elderly couple said they had to wait till they got down before they could get some medical help. “The buses should have some first aid kits,” they said.
Astha Dalvi, a 21-year-old commuter, said “Last week, I was on a green-coloured bus travelling from MaNaPa to NDA Gate on route 82. A man fell hard on the bus floor when the driver suddenly hit the brakes. He got hurt badly, and it was shocking to see that there was no first aid kit on the bus. We had to stop near a medical shop to get him basic supplies like antiseptic and bandages.”
(With inputs from: Rohan Deshpande, Shayil Singkh, Mimansha Ojha, Riddhi Wadhwani and Sakshi Prabhune)
