Non-availability of the ambulance driver triggered protests in the Watlar area of Ganderbal district on Sunday.
The protests erupted after a man identified as Nazir Ahmad Bhat, a local, was hit by an unknown vehicle and was taken to a nearby government hospital. However, no ambulance driver was available, delaying the referral of the injured man.
Locals blocked the Srinagar-Manigam bypass and staged a massive protest, seeking action against the absent driver.
Chief Medical Officer, Ganderbal, Dr Roshan din Kasanga later visited the spot and assured the protesters that action will be taken against the driver for dereliction of duty.
Besides, locals alleged that the hospital faces severe shortage of staff, and though the issue was brought to notice of the authorities, no action had been taken so far.