THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The health department has imposed strict restrictions on ambulance travel. Strict restrictions were imposed in the wake of a COVID patient sexually abused in Aranmula. The main directive is that ambulance trips after 7 pm should be only in case of emergency.

The health department has directed district medical officers not to take women alone in ambulances. In case of an emergency, a health activist should accompany the driver. Patients should be referred to hospitals at night only if it is an emergency.

The health condition of the Aranmula victim is satisfactory. Pathanamthitta district medical officer said steps to obtain more ambulances in the district will be taken. A special meet of medical officers working in COVID hospitals in Pathanamthitta are going on. A meeting of all medical officers has been convened under the chairmanship of the district collector to ensure the smooth functioning of COVID treatment centers in the district.