Expectant mother crosses river in spate by boat to reach hospital in Mayurbhanj

Udala: An expectant mother, Sukanti Hembram, of Balama village under Udala block in Mayurbhanj district had to cross a river in spate on a boat in order to reach a nearby hospital Friday.

Seeing her in pain, Sukanti’s family members called an ambulance (Janani Express) to take her to the hospital. However, the ambulance had to wait on other side of River Sanja – a tributary of River Balama that flows down from Similipal area in the district.

Also read: Pregnant woman ferried across river in country boat

According to reports, Sukanti was first carried by a bicycle for up to 2km on Balama village road. Subsequently, she was taken to the waiting ambulance on other side of the river. Later, the expectant mother was admitted into Udala community health centre.

Notably, local villagers have been demanding a permanent bridge on this river and a pucca road to Balama village. They had met local people’s representatives and officials several times.

“Despite running from pillar to post, the district administration shows no interest in this regard,” expressed Sukanti’s husband Thakura Hembram and a relative Basanti Murmu.

On being contacted, Udala Sub-Collector Bhagaban Behera said, “I will write to the district administration. Steps will be taken in this regard after getting a nod from the departmental higher-ups.”

PNN