Hyderabad, Sept. 14 -- A family in Suryapet had to shell out Rs 8,000 for an ambulance to shift a severely injured relative to Gandhi Hospital in Hyderabad. The relative suffered a serious head injury while returning home. They had no option but to pay.

This is G Poshaiah's family.

In Asifabad district, a similar case emerged. The family, whose main income comes from agriculture, paid Rs 15,000.

"I took loans from relatives as we had to shift my father to Gandhi Hospital. He suffers from a urinary tract infection, and doctors here advised us to admit him. I am now worried about how to repay the money," Vinay, was quoted by the Times of India.

These are not isolated incidents. There is a sharp increase in private ambulance fare charges...