TSRTC ignores first aid kit norm; puts lives of passengers at risk

Hyderabad: The Motor Vehicle Acts of both State and Centre mandate availability of first aid boxes in every passenger vehicle including, new vehicle and two-wheelers. This is to facilitate immediate medical care to anyone injured in the event of any untoward incident.

A first-aid kit is something that comes along with the vehicle, almost like an indispensable accessory. However, despite it being mandatory for public transport vehicles, a large number of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) buses runs sans them.

The box should contain antiseptic cream, dettol, sterilised dressings, elastic and waterproof plaster, gauze and bandage for wounds and burns, and tincture iodine. As per the norms, vehicles are to be issued a fitness certificate by the RTA only when they are fully equipped with all prescribed amenities, including first-aid kit.

According to officials, a majority of the 3,500 -plus RTC buses across 29 depots in the city do not have first aid kits. Officials are least concerned about the issue and are neglecting several complaints from passengers.

V Venkateshwarlu, Executive Director RTC, admitted that first aid kits were missing in many buses and the maintenance of them has not been in practice for several years. However, efforts were on to ensure that medical kits were present in buses, he said.

He further added, "Having a first aid kid now is not necessary as the city has 108 services where the ambulance reaches the accident location within minutes. Also, there are plenty of medical shops on bus routes where one can buy them."

C Ramesh, Joint Transport Commissioner, Khairatabad, said "A first aid kit is mandatory; it has to be installed in all passenger vehicles before issuing fitness certificate. However, the buses are equipped with first aid boxes only at the time of issuance of fitness certificate. After the issuance the depot manager is responsible whether the buses are equipped with first aid kits or not," he said.

Medical kit must contain

1. Antiseptic cream
2. Gauze
3. Antiseptic liquid
4. Elastic waterproof plaster and bandage for wounds and burns
5. sterilizer dressing
6. Tincture iodine
7. The bus conductor should undergo a week-long-training in first aid prior to availing license, which has to be renewed every three years