The electric vehicles introduced at the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC) to assist elderly and critically ill patients have become non-functional and are now abandoned, turning into scrap. These vehicles, worth around Rs1 million, were meant to transport patients from the main gate to the emergency and OPD units, but have suffered extensive damage due to neglect.
Parts, including batteries, were reportedly stolen, and the vehicles’ tires were replaced with unusable ones. Exposure to the elements has caused rusting and peeling paint, making the vehicles beyond repair without significant funding. The service, initially launched to ease patient access, was suspended and later discontinued due to lack of funds. Hospital administration is now considering either repairing the vehicles or decommissioning them, as congestion at the hospital’s entrances worsens.
