Minister for Health and Medical Education, ARI and Trainings, Ch. Lal Singh Friday issued a directive over use of ambulances by officials of Health and Medical Education department.Showing concern over the issue of use of ambulances meant for patients by some field officers in the Health and Medical Education department for official or personal use, the Minister said, that there is already a shortage of ambulances in hospitals across the State and such misuse by the officials, needs to be stopped immediately. He said the officers concerned in all health institutions should ensure no service meant for patient care is misused.The Minister said critical patients including expectant mothers may face inconvenience due to unavailability of ambulance services in time of need. He added instead officers’ concerned and medical staff across all health institutions should put in an extra effort to ensure hassle free and quality healthcare to patients.Meanwhile, the Minister issued an order directing officials not to misuse ambulances available in hospitals for patient use. “I have taken serious note of the matter and anybody found violating norms or misusing ambulances shall be dealt with strictly,” he said. He also sought a compliance report from all the concerned heads of health institutions across the state.